Ashley Stenson, 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, was shot and killed during a domestic disturbance in downtown Peoria on Friday evening, May 9, 2026. The incident unfolded near the intersection of Hamilton Boulevard and Madison Street, close to the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. Police confirmed that the suspected gunman, identified as 41‑year‑old Cortez White of St. Louis, Missouri, also died after exchanging gunfire with a responding officer.
Responding officers were dispatched around 6:35 p.m. after reports of a domestic dispute between a man and a woman. Witnesses said the suspect shot Stenson before engaging in a shootout with police. The officer was not injured. Both Stenson and White were transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center, where Stenson was pronounced dead at 7:03 p.m. and White died in surgery at 8:26 p.m.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood confirmed that Stenson suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died instantly. White also sustained multiple gunshot wounds that were “inconsistent with life.” Autopsies were conducted to verify the causes of death.
Ashley Stenson was remembered as a Georgia native who had ties to Atlanta. While detailed personal information has not yet been widely shared, her death has been described as a tragic loss for her family and community. Cortez White, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, was identified as the suspect in the shooting, though police have not released further details about his background or relationship to Stenson.
Illinois State Police have taken over the investigation, as is standard protocol for officer‑involved shootings. Once complete, the findings will be forwarded to the Peoria County State’s Attorney for review. Police have not disclosed a motive, but the case is being treated as a domestic violence incident that escalated into a deadly confrontation.
The shooting shocked downtown Peoria, an area near the federal courthouse and several hotels. Community members expressed concern about rising violence and the tragic circumstances that led to Stenson’s death. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to assist investigators as they piece together the events leading up to the fatal encounter.
