PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria County Grand Jury has indicted a 62-year-old man on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of a man found in a North Valley garage the day before Thanksgiving.
Joseph E. Alexander faces one count of first-degree murder for the death of 68-year-old Jimmy Steele, who was found dead on November 26, 2025.
According to the grand jury indictment, Alexander allegedly “strangled, stabbed, and struck” Steele, creating a strong probability of death or great bodily harm, thereby causing Steele’s death.
The incident occurred in the 1200 block of Northeast Perry Avenue in Peoria’s North Valley neighborhood.
25 News reports that a man later identified as Alexander was found a few blocks away from the scene with his clothing and right hand covered in blood. Authorities said Alexander was initially non-communicative with officers before being taken to a hospital. At the hospital, he told officers he was suicidal, homicidal, and that he had hurt someone.
Family members told investigators that Alexander has a history of schizophrenia.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood determined that Steele was dead before any fire occurred at the scene. An autopsy found Steele suffered strangulation, multiple blunt force injuries, and sharp force injuries.
A judge ordered Alexander jailed before trial pending the outcome of the case at a court hearing in December.
His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, January 8.
Comments