Homicide Case Update: Suspect Bryan D. Vann Arrested Nearly a Year After Fatal Shooting in Peoria
PEORIA, IL — A significant breakthrough has been made in a fatal shooting case that has haunted the city of Peoria for nearly a year. Authorities with the Peoria Police Department, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, have confirmed the arrest of 35-year-old Bryan D. Vann—the suspect wanted in connection with a July 2024 homicide on the city’s west side.
The arrest marks a major development in PPD Incident #24-15407, a case that began with a tragic and violent early morning shooting and led to a manhunt spanning nearly 11 months. On June 17, 2025, law enforcement located and apprehended Vann at a residence in Chicago. He was taken into custody without incident.
The Original Incident: July 23, 2024
At approximately 3:39 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Peoria Police were dispatched to the 2500 block of W. Garden Street after receiving two ShotSpotter alerts indicating multiple rounds fired in rapid succession—10 rounds each, totaling 20 gunshots.
Upon arriving on the scene, officers discovered a 31-year-old man lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately administered life-saving measures, but tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The identity of the victim and the exact cause of death were later confirmed by the Peoria County Coroner, though officials withheld personal details out of respect for the family during the initial phase of the investigation.
Peoria Police’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and Patrol Unit responded swiftly to the scene and began a comprehensive investigation.
At the time, no suspect information was available, leaving the community on edge and detectives working tirelessly to find answers.
Investigation Leads to a Suspect: Bryan D. Vann
A breakthrough came on July 30, 2024, when Peoria Police publicly identified Bryan D. Vann, 35, as the primary suspect in the homicide. Vann, a Black male approximately 5’10” and 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was wanted for First Degree Murder.
Despite numerous efforts by local law enforcement to locate him, Vann remained at large for months. He was classified as armed and dangerous, prompting widespread public alerts and pleas for information from the community.
Arrest Made: June 17, 2025
After nearly a year of investigation, the persistence of detectives and the support of federal partners led to a major breakthrough. On June 17, 2025, acting on newly developed intelligence, the U.S. Marshals Service tracked Vann to a residence in Chicago. He was taken into custody without resistance.
Peoria Police have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and further details regarding Vann’s potential motives or connection to the victim have not yet been released. Authorities have not indicated whether others may have been involved or may face charges.
Community Relief and Next Steps
The arrest of Bryan Vann brings a degree of relief to the Peoria community and especially to the grieving family of the victim, who have waited nearly a year for justice.
“This arrest is the result of the hard work, diligence, and unwavering commitment of our detectives and law enforcement partners,” said Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria. “While we know nothing can undo the pain suffered by the victim’s loved ones, we hope this arrest brings them one step closer to closure.”
Vann is expected to be extradited to Peoria County, where he will face charges in connection with the July 2024 shooting. A court date has not yet been set.
Call for Continued Public Cooperation
Although the suspect has been captured, Peoria Police urge anyone who may have additional information about the case—or who may have witnessed anything related to the shooting on W. Garden Street—to come forward.
Those with information can contact Detective Bainter at (309) 494-8337, or leave anonymous tips through Tip411 or Peoria Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
A Long Road to Justice
What began as a chilling act of violence in the early morning hours of July 23, 2024, has now reached a critical point with the arrest of the man police believe is responsible. For the victim’s family and a community deeply affected by the senseless loss of life, the journey toward healing continues—now accompanied by the hope that justice will finally be served.
This case remains active and under further investigation. Updates will be released as they become available.