On September 18, 2023, Antonio Hardy, a 33-year-old man from Peoria, Illinois, was fatally shot while getting gas at a gas station near the intersection of Sheridan and McClure in Central Peoria. The incident was reported after a ShotSpotter alert indicated nine rounds had been fired in the area around 8:20 p.m..
When police responded to the scene, they found Hardy with apparent gunshot wounds. He was immediately taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where he was in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Hardy died in the operating room just over two hours later.
The investigation led to the identification of Amorta I. Nelson, a 25-year-old Peoria resident, as the suspect in Hardy's death. Nelson was taken into custody and charged with First Degree Murder. Surveillance video obtained by Peoria Police detectives showed Nelson getting out of a vehicle and shooting Hardy multiple times, including a shot to the head. Although Nelson admitted to being at the gas station, he denied being the shooter.
Nelson was arrested and is currently being held at the Peoria County Jail. He was scheduled for a detention hearing following his arrest. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
