PEORIA, Ill. – A man has been found guilty of murder after a fatal shooting during a dice game in Peoria’s North Valley two years ago.
23-year-old Ronnie Simmons was found guilty Thursday of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. He will be sentenced on October 1st.
The shooting killed 25-year-old Demetrious Davis and injured a second person on July 6th, 2023.
The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office says testimony during the four-day trial revealed that Simmons was losing money during the dice game, and was repeatedly leaving for more money. The final time Simmons returned, he pulled a gun out while the victims were preparing to leave. He shot Davis, then the second victim while they were trying to disarm Simmons.
Simmons was taken into custody shortly after at a residence, where a handgun was found. Two forensic scientists testified that the recovered gun matched shell casings found at the scene, and that Simmons’ DNA was on the gun.
Prosecutors say a witness that refused to testify or cooperate during the trial was held in contempt of court. The witness is facing several years in prison.
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