PEORIA, Ill. – An arrest has been made in connection to the death of a man in a burnt garage in Peoria’s North Valley last month.
The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office says 62-year-old Joseph Alexander was ordered detained at a hearing Wednesday after being taken into custody on Tuesday.
Alexander is charged with First Degree Murder in the November 26th death of 68-year-old Jimmy Steele, who prosecutors say had been living in the garage in the area of Perry and Voris.
Steele’s body was found after the garage fire was put out, with an autopsy showing he suffered strangulation and multiple blunt and sharp force injuries before the fire.
Prosecutors say officers responded to a call shortly after the fire and reportedly found Alexander with blood on his clothes and right hand. His family also reported a history of schizophrenia for Alexander, and also stayed at the Perry Avenue address.
Alexander was non-communicative with police and taken to a hospital, where he reportedly admitted being suicidal, homicidal, and that he hurt someone.
Prosecutors say surveillance footage was also obtained allegedly showing Alexander walking in the area before the fire.
Alexander was taken into custody on Tuesday after being released from the hospital.
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