River West Neighbors On Edge Following Homicide
By: Alexandra Sutter
Updated: September 6, 2012
PEORIA -- Peoria police are investigating the city's tenth homicide of the year.
It happened around 11:30 last night in the 1300 block of Southwest Jefferson.
23-year-old Kensey Ross was found just steps away from his back door with a single gun shot wound to the head.
Police said they are interviewing witnesses, but neighbors are left questioning just how safe they are in their homes.
Carol Smith said, "It literally scares the hell out of me."
She's lived at River West for six years. She said she's always worried about her three young grandchildren playing outside, but now, more than ever before.
"Well before my kids went to school this morning I told them that there are new rules. If grandma can't see you, don't go there," she said.
The Peoria Housing Authority said there is a series of steps an applicant must go through before applying to be a resident of River West.
Smith said she never expected this to happen just steps from her backdoor. "River West is not supposed to let anything like this happen down here."
She said she'll have to take new precautions to keep her and her grandchildren safe. "I can't afford to move, you live where you can afford to live, and this is where I can afford to live."
Police stil have no suspect in the case. They are still investigating.
