Andre Leathers Sr., 43, of Peoria, Illinois, was shot at close range in the face and killed on June 29, 2020, in the backyard of a residence on North Saratoga Street. The Peoria County Coroner determined he died instantly from the gunshot wound. Leathers worked as a chef at The Fish House and as an assistant to artist Preston Jackson and was described in court as an outstanding member of the community.

Investigators say the shooting occurred during a dispute at a barbecue. A 27-year-old, Dujuane Nelson, was tried for the killing; testimony placed him at the scene and portrayed the shooting as a spontaneous act following an argument. After a three-day trial, Nelson was found guilty and received a 75-year prison sentence, enhanced because of his prior record and the senseless nature of the crime.

Leathers’ mother, Sandra Leathers, spoke in court about the impact on his six children and ten grandchildren and urged an end to local gun violence. Did anyone who knew Andre or who was at that barbecue come forward with additional details that could shed light on what happened?