A 42-year-old woman from Atlanta, Georgia, died on Friday evening, May 9, 2026, following a domestic disturbance in downtown Peoria. Ashley Stenson was shot near the intersection of Hamilton Boulevard and Madison Street, close to the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
Police arrived at approximately 6:35 p.m. after receiving reports of an argument between a man and a woman. Witnesses stated that the suspect fired at Stenson before exchanging gunfire with a responding officer.
The suspected gunman was identified as 41-year-old Cortez White, a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. Both Stenson and White were transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center. Stenson was pronounced dead at 7:03 p.m. White died during surgery at 8:26 p.m. The officer involved in the shootout was not injured.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood confirmed that Stenson sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died instantly. White also suffered multiple gunshot wounds described as “inconsistent with life.” Autopsies have been completed to verify the official causes of death.
White, originally from St. Louis, was identified as the suspect, though police have not disclosed his relationship to Stenson or released further details about his background. The incident has been classified as a domestic violence case that escalated into a deadly confrontation. No motive has been publicly shared.
The Illinois State Police have assumed control of the investigation, following standard protocol for officer-involved shootings. Once their review is complete, the findings will be forwarded to the Peoria County State’s Attorney for evaluation. Stenson was remembered as a Georgia native with ties to Atlanta. Her family has been notified, though detailed biographical information about her has not been widely released.
The shooting occurred in a downtown area near the federal courthouse and several hotels. Community members have expressed concern about rising violence in Peoria. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators. The case remains active. No funeral arrangements for Stenson have been publicly announced. White’s family has not released a statement.