(PEORIA, IL) On Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 6:17 p.m., Peoria Police were dispatched to the 2800 block of W. Wiswall St. on a report of an unresponsive infant.
Upon arrival, responding officers located an 18-month-old child who was unresponsive and not breathing. The child was immediately transported by ambulance to OSF St. Francis Medical Center Emergency Department, where they were pronounced deceased a short time later.
The Peoria Police Department’s Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Crime Scene Unit conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
During the initial investigation, investigators discovered signs of physical abuse involving additional children present inside the residence. Three other children were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation with minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators developed information that led to the arrest of 18-year-old Amarion Billups for four counts of Endangering the Life or Health of a Child.
On June 30, 2025, investigators continued a collaborative investigation with the Peoria County Coroner’s Office. The Coroner’s Office determined the child died as a result of multiple blunt force traumatic injuries.
Additional information developed during the course of the investigation resulted in further charges against Amarion Billups for First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery, and Aggravated Battery to a Child.
He was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Anyone with information about violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, submit an anonymous tip through tip411, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (309) 673-9000.