PEORIA, Ill. – New details are being released about the two people accused in what turned out to be a fatal armed robbery attempt almost two weeks ago.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos’ office says a judge Friday granted pre-trial detention in the case of Sontarius Williams, 27, meaning he’ll stay in jail prior to trial. Court records confirm that.
A detention hearing for Jalyn Branscumb, 18, will be held Monday. Both are charged with Armed Robbery, a Class X felony.
Hoos’ office said the two were among a group who tried to rob two other people who had come to Peoria to purchase what’s believed to have been a non-existent vehicle posted to Facebook marketplace January 15.
When the two along with several others allegedly got into a fight with the purchasers, gunshots broke out, claiming the life of Marcus Whitehead of Bloomington, 18, one of the purchasers.
Hoos says another of the purchasers acted in self defense and used his legally-owned firearm, and no charges will be filed against him. Peoria Police have previously said the male had a permit from another state to carry his gun.
If convicted, Williams and Branscumb could each face anywhere from six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
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