Additional Charges Filed in Murder of 15-Year-Old

October 9, 2025, Peoria, IL - Additional charges have been filed in connection with the death of a 15-year-old male who was shot and killed the morning of October 1, 2025. Jafari A. Robinson, 27, and Cortez D. Smith, 18, have both been charged with First-Degree Murder. During Smith's detention hearing, the State's Petition to Detain was granted, meaning Smith will remain in custody until his trial. Robinson, who was previously charged in this case and already in custody on a separate matter, now faces an additional charge of first-degree murder.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, around 7:45 a.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired inside a house in the 2400 block of N. Sheridan Road in the West Bluff. When officers arrived, they spoke with Curtis Jones, who refused to let them inside. Another resident later allowed officers to enter to check for possible victims. During their search, officers found Robinson hiding in a bathroom with a spent shell casing in his pocket.

In the basement, officers discovered a large amount of blood, shell casings, and bullet strikes on furniture. A rolled-up rug was later found containing the body of 15-year-old Keyaun Hardimon, who had suffered two gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Witnesses told police that Jones was in the basement with Hardimon and others when the shots were fired. Jones has previously been charged in the case and is currently in custody.

This investigation is ongoing. If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.

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