On August 31, 2023, 23-year-old Peoria resident Billy Chaplin was fatally shot in the area of West Antoinette Street and Madison Park Terrace. Police responded to a Shot Spotter alert around 9:00 A.M. indicating 25 rounds had been fired. Chaplin and another male were both found with gunshot injuries and taken to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center; Chaplin was pronounced dead at 9:43 A.M., while the second victim was reported in stable condition.

Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said the shooting on West Antoinette Street was connected and targeted, part of an exchange linked to another Thursday morning shooting on South Helen Street that killed 19-year-old Damar Watts; vehicles were seized and an arrest was made in connection with the incidents. Chaplin, born August 6, 2000, lived on West Wiswall Street; his funeral service was scheduled for a later date. These killings were recorded as the 18th and 19th homicides in Peoria for 2023.

If anyone has information about the shootings or knew Billy, please share what you know with investigators.