Arlin Alexander Bermudez Castellon, a 34-year-old man from the Chicago area but associated with Peoria, Illinois, died on January 4, 2024, due to gunshot wounds. He was found in the front yard of a house in the 200 block of East Thrush Avenue in Peoria shortly after 2 p.m. Bermudez Castellon had sustained several gunshot wounds and was taken to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries about five hours later.
The investigation into his death led to the arrest of David H. Stone, a 39-year-old man from the 2200 block of West Howett Street in Peoria. Stone was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Bermudez Castellon's death. The motive behind the homicide appears to be a debt of $250 that Bermudez Castellon owed to Stone. Evidence gathered included text messages on the phones of both Stone and Bermudez Castellon, which showed threats of physical harm from Stone if the debt was not paid. Surveillance footage also played a crucial role, capturing two individuals leaving the house where the shooting occurred, with nine shots being fired. Additional evidence included shell casings found at the scene and a .45-caliber handgun discovered at Stone's residence.
In addition to Stone's arrest, another individual, Mickael D. Williams, was taken into custody by a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Texas in connection with Bermudez Castellon's death. Williams is currently in the Dallas County Jail awaiting extradition to Peoria.
The case against Stone is ongoing, with a detention hearing and a preliminary hearing scheduled. If convicted, Stone faces a prison sentence of at least 45 years and possibly up to life in prison.
