Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Shooting Big Al’s Bouncer

December 4, 2025, Peoria, IL - Today, Tywahnn K. Tillman, 37, was sentenced to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for a shooting in October 2023 at Big Al's in downtown Peoria. The victim survived being shot. However, his life has forever been altered, and he is now legally blind.

At sentencing, Assistant State's Attorney Dave Gast told the court that the victim's life will never be the same. In addition to being blind, the victim now lives at a neuro skills facility four hours away from his family, as it offers him the best chance for a normal life. Tillman stole the victim's independence and future. For that reason, Gast urged the court to sentence him to the maximum of 48 years in prison.

In delivering the sentence, Chief Judge Katherine Gorman noted that some things cannot be undone; this is one of them, and it must be deterred.

On October 23, 2023, around 3 a.m., officers responded to shots fired inside Big Al's and found the victim, a bouncer for the club, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Investigators learned that Tillman had gotten into a fight with the bouncer and had been kicked out of the club. Tillman then went to a car outside, retrieved a gun, returned inside, pushed past several people, walked right up to the bouncer, who had his back turned, and shot him in the head.

In October 2025, Tillman pleaded guilty to Attempt First Degree Murder. In exchange for his guilty plea, the state agreed to a maximum possible prison sentence of 48 years.

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