Peoria Homicide Investigation Update – DAVID L. KING Identified as Victim; Two Charged with First-Degree Murder

PEORIA, Ill. — July 15, 2026 — Authorities have identified the man found dead inside his East Bluff residence earlier this week as David L. King, 41, of Peoria. The case has now been officially classified as a homicide, and two individuals have been charged in connection with his death.

Victim Identified

According to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood, King was discovered deceased inside his home in the 500 block of East Seneca Place on Monday after officers responded to a welfare check. Following an examination, the coroner determined King had sustained “assessed perpetrated injuries”, prompting the office to classify the case as a homicide investigation in coordination with the Peoria Police Department.

Arrests and Charges

Online jail records show that Portia Stokes, 26, and Michael Jansen, 29, were taken into custody Tuesday morning and booked into the Peoria County Jail. Both were initially arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Prosecutors later formally charged the pair with:

• First-degree murder
• Concealment of a homicidal death

Court records indicate they were scheduled to appear before a judge at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Investigation Status

Authorities have not yet released details explaining how Stokes and Jansen are connected to King or what events led to his death. Investigators have also not disclosed a possible motive or whether the suspects knew the victim.

Officials confirmed that the arrests are directly tied to the death investigation announced by the Peoria Police Department on Monday, noting that the report number associated with the suspects’ arrests matched the homicide investigation report.

An autopsy was scheduled to determine the precise cause and manner of King’s death. Evidence collected at the scene, combined with medical findings, ultimately led investigators to classify the case as a homicide.

Community Impact

If officially counted in the city’s annual crime statistics, King’s death would mark Peoria’s sixth homicide of 2026, underscoring ongoing concerns about violent crime in the community.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Peoria Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

Reflection

As the legal process unfolds, David L. King’s family, friends, and loved ones continue to mourn his tragic loss while seeking answers and justice.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time. Rest in peace, David L. King.