Man killed in Peoria robbery gone wrong, police say

PEORIA — An attempted Facebook Marketplace robbery setup gone wrong led to the death of an 18-year-old Monday night, according to Peoria police.

Marcus Whitehead, 18, of Bloomington, suffered multiple gunshot wounds Monday night on the 2100 block of West Lincoln Avenue while he and others allegedly attempted to rob someone they purportedly set up on Facebook Marketplace.

Police say two people from outside of Peoria came into town Monday night to meet up about a vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Instead of finding a vehicle for sale, the duo was directed into an alley, where a group of people, including Whitehead, attempted to rob them, police believe.

A struggle ensued, and both the alleged robbers and victims fired gunshots, police said. Whitehead was struck and killed in the gunfire.

The robbery victim held a license to carry a gun issued in another state and was released by police with no charges.

Whitehead likely died instantly due to internal injuries, according to the Peoria County Coroner's office.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

Police are encouraging people to be extra vigilant when it comes to online marketplace interactions and issued a reminder that the police station parking lot and lobby can be used as a transaction meeting place.

Anyone with information on this case can contact Detective Miller at (309) 494-8397, Tip411, or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Facebook Marketplace robbery gone wrong leads to Peoria shooting death