UPDATED 4:46 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – More information is coming from both the coroner and the court following Thursday’s suspected double-homicide in West Peoria.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood has identified the victims as Quardreka Payne, 32 — and her son, Cael Thornton, 8.
Both were found dead inside a home off North Cedar Avenue and West Manor Parkway early Thursday, after what prosecutors say was a domestic dispute between Rickey Payne, 34, and his wife.
25 News reports the judge, in setting bond at $5 million for Payne, suggested that Thornton was “executed for being in the way.”
Harwood says follow up autopsies confirmed the two victims died instantly of multiple gunshots.
Payne is facing six counts of First-Degree Murder. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for October 27th.
