The victim of Friday night’s deadly shooting has been identified as Mapleton woman Mary Halcomb

PEORIA, Ill. — Authorities have identified Mary Halcomb, 20, as the victim of Peoria’s 13th homicide this year. Halcomb, a resident of West Sir Galahad Court in Mapleton, was pronounced dead at 11:47 p.m. Friday in the 1400 block of South Griswold Street, according to Peoria County Coroner.

The tragic incident unfolded late Friday night when Peoria police officers responded to reports of a shooting around 10:41 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Halcomb with a gunshot wound. Despite efforts from emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene, making her the latest victim in a series of homicides that have plagued the city this year.

An autopsy on Halcomb is scheduled for Monday, with the cause and manner of death still under investigation by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office and the Peoria Police Department. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

On the scene, officers spoke with 18-year-old Nathaniel Archuleta, who was present during the incident. Following an interview at the police station, Archuleta was arrested on multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of a handgun under the age of 21, and not having a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. He is currently being held at the Peoria County Jail.

Peoria police spokeswoman Semone Roth confirmed Archuleta’s arrest, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Authorities are looking into all aspects of the case, including the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the relationship between Halcomb and Archuleta.

This latest incident marks a somber milestone for Peoria, as the city grapples with its 13th homicide of the year. Community members are expressing concern over the rising violence, and local law enforcement is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the investigation.

As the Peoria Police Department continues its work, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short. The police department and coroner’s office are committed to bringing clarity and justice to this case, while residents hope for a resolution that will address the broader issues of violence in the city.