Sam B. Causey Jr., 49, was found shot to death on a Peoria sidewalk in the early morning hours of August 12, 2019. He was discovered just before 4 a.m. outside a neighbor’s home in the 700 block of East Ravine Avenue after the city’s ShotSpotter system registered rounds in the area. The Peoria County Coroner reported multiple gunshot wounds to both the front and back of his body, and death occurred within seconds; no defensive wounds or evidence of close-range firing were noted. A neighbor heard at least four shots and saw an older-style mini SUV speed away. No arrests have been announced and the Peoria Police Department is investigating.

Causey, born August 24, 1969, had worked at Dairy Queen for over seven years and was described by his family as a hardworking man who enjoyed yard work, training dogs, and spending time with his grandchildren. His son, Kamron L. Causey, was also shot and killed in Peoria on July 22, 2015. The family continues to seek justice.

If anyone has information about the shooting or the vehicle seen leaving the scene, please come forward.