Trashawn Morris, 27, of Peoria, Illinois, was shot and killed on the night of March 23, 2024, at about 10:15 p.m. at the Lexington Hills Apartments. Family members remembered him for a bright, joyful energy. Prosecutors say Morris went to the apartment of Javier McGhee and knocked three times; video shown at trial captured Morris knocking and yelling that he had told McGhee to stop texting him. McGhee opened the door and fired one shot that struck Morris in the chest. A bullet also grazed a man in a neighboring apartment after passing through a wall.

Police found Morris with a fatal gunshot wound and pronounced him dead at the scene. Officers testified there was no damage to the door, and a forensic pathologist said the absence of gunpowder on Morris’s body or clothing indicated he was not close to the gun when it was fired. Prosecutors presented evidence the two had been in an intimate relationship and had argued after Morris began seeing someone else; a cousin said Morris went to break off the relationship. McGhee claimed self-defense, saying he believed Morris was trying to force his way inside.

A jury later convicted Javier McGhee of first-degree murder. If anyone knew Trashawn or has information about the night of March 23, 2024, please come forward.