PEORIA, Ill. – Charges relating to a fatal stabbing Tuesday evening, including a First-Degree Murder charge, have been dropped.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos says evidence provided by Jeremy Barnett, 31, was consistent with claims of self-defense by him.
The stabbing occurred Tuesday just before 10:00 P.M. in the area of W. Virginia, between Isabell and Broadway. Denarius Barnett, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene of the stabbing, just after 10:30 P.M.
Hoos says Jeremy and Denarius Barnett were brothers.
She says in a 24-hour period prior to the stabbing, police were called four separate times at two separate locations regarding problems between Denarius and various family members, including his girlfriend.
Denarius was reportedly intoxicated, acting aggressively, and asked to leave multiple homes. Hoos says upon his arrival to the W. Virginia address, Denarius began fighting with Jeremy.
Denarius reportedly threw Jeremy to the ground and choked him, when Jeremy grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Denarius to get away from him.
Hoos says Jeremy had wounds and scratches on his neck that were consistent with strangulation, and has fully cooperated with the investigation.
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