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March 19, 2010

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Peoria's First Homicide of 2009

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By Michelle Mantel

Story Published: Feb 7, 2009 at 7:22 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 7, 2009 at 8:08 PM CDT

The Peoria Police Department is investigating the death of a 19 year old as a homicide following an early morning home invasion. Officers responded to a 911 call on the 700-block of east Corrington around six Saturday morning.

Officials say they found 19 year old Mario McGee inside this home with a gunshot wound to the head. Family and friends of McGee say the alleged perpetrators also attacked his mother.

Mario's father, Marcus McGee said, "He was a young man that really could have done something with his life. He was a hard working young man and a great son to me."

Pastor Harvey Burnett with the Peoria Area Pastor's Association said, "Whatever's broken needs to be fixed, broken windows is about a community policing motive but we have to have a bereaving process in place dealing with families also."

Pastor Burnett says he'd like to work with area religious leaders and police to work on more preventative crime programs.

This is the city's first homicide of the year. Police have made no arrests.

The Peoria Police Department urges anyone with information related to the crime to call Crime Stoppers at 673-9000.

Next article Alternative Plan for Peoria Hotel

View Oldest Comments First

Monday, Sep 14 at 12:57 AM Darian (tear) wrote ...

Man rio seem like yesterday you was at casey crib with witney waitin on her 2 get dress so y'all could go out when we got dat call at 9:00 couldn't beleive it that some one could take away like that but god has a plan from every body.. Love u dude ..rip RIO!!!!! (swagg king!)

Sunday, Apr 26 at 2:17 PM courtney wrote ...

when i heard you were dead i cried myself to sleep i didnt know that my feelings were deep but your in a better place know.

Friday, Feb 13 at 2:09 PM Ian Martin, Brother from Another wrote ...

I ask that everyone show their deepest regards for my fallen homeboy and his family. No matter what we do in life let us try to allow ourselves to not become a victim to hatred or jealousy just as Mario so let us keep Mario's memory going & let him to never be forgetten. To my brother who has now passed on to a better place. R.I.P. MARIO MCGEE 2.28.89-2.7.09

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 1:51 PM Ashley wrote ...

I am sincerely sorry for the McGee's loss. May God be with you in this time of grievence. I have known Mario since we were little. We grew up in the same neighborhood and went to school together. My heart goes out to all of those that were close to him- especially his parents. God bless you. He's home....and in a better place. My prayers are with you. RIP Mario.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 11:36 AM Mike G wrote ...

Rest in peace cuz ima keep you in ma prayers. Ma dude in a better place now....dis city is stupid naw it aint even tha city its tha people takin other peoples lives. rest in peace rio much love!!!!

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 11:15 PM The Thornton-White Family wrote ...

May God be with you in your time of sorrow. We all loved Mario just as much as you do. RIP MARIO

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 10:38 PM JAMILLIA BREEANA aka MOOKIE wrote ...

RIP MARIO I WILL NEVER FOEGET ABOUT U I REMEBER WHAT U TOLD ME AND I PROMISE I WILL OBEY....SAVE ME A SPOT RIGHT NEXT TO U.... I LOVE O BAE....MCGEE FAMILY I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY GOD BLESS

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 1:29 PM NIKA wrote ...

I WOULD APPRECIATE IF PEOPLE WOULD LET MY DEAR FRIEND REST IN PEACE N KEEP ALL THE NEGITIVE N RUDE COMMENTS TO YA SELF!!! IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW MARIO THEN THERE'S KNOW NEED FOR YOU TO JUDGE HIM REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE NEWS AND PAPERS SAID THINGS AREN'T ALWYAS WHAT THEY SEEM TO BE! PEOPLE FIGURE BECAUSE THESE THINGS WERE HAPPEN TO HIM THAT HE WAS A GANG MEMBER WELL REGARDLESS OF WAHT YALL THINK I KNOW THAT HE WASN'T HE JUST HAD HATERS PEOPLE THAT COULDN'T HANDLE HIS SWAGG! U STILL GOT SWAGG RIO (RIP)

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 10:39 AM Bear wrote ...

TO THE MCGEE FAMILY YOU ARE N MY PRAYER'S MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND TO ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE LEAVING THESE COMMENTS.ITS NOT ONLY HURTFUL TO THE FAMILY UTS DISRESOECTFUL NO ONE ON THIS EARTH IS PERFECT WE ALL HAVE FALLEN SHORT IN SOME WAY.YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE THIS YOUNG MAN.SO PLEASE KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF LET THIS YOUNG MANS FAMILY AND FRIEND GRIEVE IN PEACE.MARIO WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY THOSE WHO KNEW HE.GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 10:33 AM Jeremy F wrote ...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 8:51 AM PDawson wrote ...

RIO it was just the other day we sat and talked in Walmart. And i warned you about the company you keep.We all kno you were a good dude. A shame bcuz you swagged da city out, your life was taken. Don't let RIO's death be in vain, not only gang members,etc die..ITS TIME FOR CHANGE! i can only smile rememberin our last conversation. never b 4gotten, luv u cuz!

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 3:15 AM Trina wrote ...

Sis. and Bro. McGee, all I can remember you where good peoples and you LOVE those boys. I'm so sorry for your lost. I will be praying for God to carry you through.

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 1:24 AM Nicole Jones wrote ...

My heart goes out to the Mcgee family..I went to school with him and his brother.I cant believe somebody would want to do this to him.People always think they know what's going on but dont know the real truth,so if u dont have anything nice to say then dont say anything...I will miss u Mario...Gone but never 4gotton

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 12:56 AM Wallace McDonald wrote ...

“ Sorry for your loss my prayers are with you :( An Angels Kiss We go through life so often, not stopping to enjoy the day. And we take each one for granted, As we travel on our way. For in your pain and sorrow, An Angel's Kiss will help you through, This kiss is very private, For it is meant for only you. We never stop to measure,Anything we just might miss. But if the wind should blow by softly, You'll feel an Angel's Kiss. A kiss that is sent from heaven, A kiss Mark i am trying to reach you.

Monday, Feb 9 at 8:32 PM woodruff ,Parent wrote ...

may god bless your famliy!!!A lost of a adult,son is hard bare. My prayers are with you!!!Your son has made lots of friends They will always remember who he was.He was a nice caring person and he was funny and happy person. You did a great job in rising him. God bless you always!!!!

Monday, Feb 9 at 7:45 PM seanne aka nae g wrote ...

OMG LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU....I MISS U ALREADY LOVE YA PLAYING FOR MARIO'S FAMILY

Monday, Feb 9 at 6:50 PM tj wrote ...

more info is coming about rio, and it looks like he has been shot at before, and this may all be gang related. if this is true, then, *YAWN*. some of us know that there is a gang in that area ruining yet another fine neighborhood. if rio was a part of that cancer, then stop wasting perfectly good kleenex.

Monday, Feb 9 at 3:49 PM Celeste Y. wrote ...

To Mahkno: If you don't have anything nice and supportive to say about Mario or to his grieving family and friends then DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!!! Be considerate of other's pain!!! {{{R.I.P. Mario...its obvious people just won't leave well enough alone!!! But those who knew you know the wonderful person that you were and always strived to be!!! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!! XOXO}}}

Monday, Feb 9 at 2:59 PM Bry aka Queen B wrote ...

I just wanted the family to know that I love u, u all are in my prayers. And even tho... it hurts me to know that we will never see Mario again on this Earth, I kno we will see him again in Heaven! It makes me happy to kno that a person as beautiful as him no long has to be in this terrible world...See u when I get there! LOVE YA! Ya Girl...Bryanna

Monday, Feb 9 at 2:52 PM Tashay Green-Robinson wrote ...

My heart and prayers are with the Mcgee family. I knew Mario thru my cousin and Mario was very respectful and well mannered. To the cowards that did it your time is coming for taking an innocent life for no reason what so ever. It's sad that Mario Swag was so tight that these cowards took his life. To Mario parents my family knew them personally and our hearts will always be with you and MAY GOD BLESS!!!!!! MARIO WE LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!!

Monday, Feb 9 at 2:17 PM Nika wrote ...

I will always love and miss Mario It's just so crazy to me because I seen him the nite before this all happen all I can see is him in that royal blue outfit I known Mario for quit some time and was very close to him and as much as I don't want to believe the fact that he's gone I have to because he is I really hope the people that did this to him pays the price I LOVE YOU RIO YOU'LL ALWAYS BE MY RODNEY!!! I'm glad your in a better place I will all ways remember the times we shared LOVE YA!!!

Monday, Feb 9 at 11:49 AM CorissaReliford wrote ...

im marios neighbor and have been for as long as i can remember. i grew up with him and he was a good guy. my older sibling have attended hines and von steuben with mario and frequently talk to his family. hes always been a nice guy and his family has always been more than perfect neighbors. its sad to see such a trajedy so close to my home and to the family" youre in my prayers forever and were here for you whenever you need us. thankyou for everything and mya God get you through this hard time.

Monday, Feb 9 at 11:24 AM Riah wrote ...

THIS IS SO UNBELIEVABLE, YOU HAD TO LEAVE THIS EARTH BECAUSE YOUR SWAG WAS TOO MUCH FOR THESE DUDES TO HANDLE!! ALL I CAN DO IS CRY YOU WAS SO KOO YOU NEVER BOTHERED NOBODY BUT WE ALL KNOW YOU REALLY DOIN IT BIG NOW!! YOU'RE TRULY MISSED KEEP AN EYE ON US...LOVE YA! REST IN PARADISE MY DUDE

Monday, Feb 9 at 10:01 AM Vincent Cogdal wrote ...

I am very sorry for your loss. I live right around the corner from you. I think it is time we stood up. this is a nice neighborhood and I won't let it turn to nothing. I am willing to hold a ralley on my street to let everyon eknow, WE WILL NOT BE BULLIED!

Monday, Feb 9 at 8:41 AM Cosnuela wrote ...

Marcus I am so sorry for your lost of your son. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Audrey I wish you a well recovery, God Bless YOU!

Monday, Feb 9 at 1:48 AM jessp wrote ...

to the mcgheefamily my pray will be there . i know morio since von steuben & woodruff . he was care and nice its to bad we have to say goodbye at a young age . he will always be miss .godbless the mcghee family rip marioand bless u mg

Monday, Feb 9 at 12:21 AM JASMINE wrote ...

MARIO I WILL MISS U, YOU TOUCHED EVERYBODY THAT KNEW YOU ESPECIALLY THE GIRLS YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A LADIES MAN, IT SEEM LIKE JUST THE OTHER DAY ISEEN YOU DRIVING DOWN THE STREET IN YOUR IMPALA WITH THE STRIPES WITH MDM ON THE PLATES THIS CRAZY. RIP RIO!!! LOVE U

Sunday, Feb 8 at 7:18 PM Billy J. Harper wrote ...

Very sorry; may we remember Mario as being blessed and existing with Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are praying for all of you. Friend

Sunday, Feb 8 at 6:54 PM Renee wrote ...

I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, Feb 8 at 6:49 PM Celeste Y. wrote ...

My heart breaks everytime I think about this. Mario was such a loving, kind, and caring person who did not deserve to die this way. I think whoever has done this to him and his mother will never be able to live with themselves. I hope and pray justice is served in all senses. I'm praying for all of Mario's family and friends. Heaven was truly missing an angel before yesterday morning Mario. We'll love and miss you always and forever. I'll see you later!!! xoxo

Sunday, Feb 8 at 2:51 PM Amber B wrote ...

My heart goes out to the family. As a close friend since kindergarten I hurt as well. I'll never forget the good times I've shared with Mario. I'm keeping the family in prayers and Mario will always have a place in my heart!

Sunday, Feb 8 at 12:38 PM J. Young wrote ...

This news is absolutely heartbreaking. I've known Mario for about for years now and I never thought the last time I saw him would be just that, the last time. Mario and Ms. Audrey you are truly loved and will always be missed!!! Heaven was missing two angels before yesterday morning. I hope and pray that justice is served for this!!!! My heart goes ou to the whole McGee Family. You will all remain in my prayers!!!!!

Sunday, Feb 8 at 11:23 AM Nicole Holzhauer wrote ...

As Mario's former teacher, I will always remember him fondly as a sweet, good-natured kid who loved to dance and joke around. He would light up a room when he entered. Although I haven't taught him for many years, he is still fond in my heart and his picture is in my classroom. I pray for his family, whom he loved greatly at this time. May you find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place now. Rest in Peace, Mario.

Sunday, Feb 8 at 11:09 AM SIMONE wrote ...

MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW AND NO THAT HE WAS LOVED

Sunday, Feb 8 at 8:50 AM TB wrote ...

To the McGee Family: You are in our prayers and may God give you strength. I pray that the person(s) responsible will be caught and brought to justice. I am a mother and my heart aches. My son and neice were friends with Mario. He was a good kid.

Sunday, Feb 8 at 8:43 AM Mahkno wrote ...

Check out his MySpace page, its way different from the profile given here.

Sunday, Feb 8 at 8:23 AM Uncle Chris Anderson, MI. wrote ...

I never imagined burying a nephew before burying my elders. This news was more than shocking and devastating! May God continue to bless Mark and Audrey as they begin the journey of healing after this significant loss! I'm so proud of your accomplishments in such a short life nephew. You're home now and in a better place. God bless our family and friends as we gather the strength to overcome this loss.

Sunday, Feb 8 at 6:54 AM Rev. John H. Lee Sr. wrote ...

To the family walk with God and hold unto His hands and Peoria pray for one another!

Sunday, Feb 8 at 12:41 AM Mark G. wrote ...

To the Mcgee family I am sorry for your loss I went to hines and von steuben with mario I was on the basketball team with him and got to know much about him this news absolutely stunned me today I cant believe he is gone I thought I'd see him again after middle school and h.s but I didnt think I would be saying goodbye. I am sorry for your loss and I will be praying for your family the world just lost a reall good man.

Saturday, Feb 7 at 11:30 PM M EAZY@ JR wrote ...

THIS IS MA DUDE DUDE SORRY IT HAD 2 HAPPEN THIS WAY U AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

Saturday, Feb 7 at 11:15 PM Mrs. Shaw wrote ...

To the McGee's - Praying for your family during this difficult time.

Saturday, Feb 7 at 10:13 PM crystal compton mann wrote ...

mario was like a nephew to me, where you seen my nephew you seen him , great kid my heart bleeds for audrey & mark, my the police find the cowards whom took an innocent life for nothing

Saturday, Feb 7 at 9:50 PM DEBORAH & ENGLISH wrote ...

IT HARD TO SEE MARIO GONE..JUST FEB 6 2009 WE ALL WAS AT THE GAME AT RICH WOODS HAVING FUN NOW HE GONE NO IT CANT BE TRUE BUT NOW WE KNOW HE IN A MUCH BETTER AND SAFE PLACE WITH THE LORD IM NOT GONE SAY "BYE' IM JUS GONNA SAY SEE YOU LATER MARIO .:R.I.P RIO.:

Saturday, Feb 7 at 9:32 PM Sarah wrote ...

I'm praying for Mario's family. You were a wonderful person. I knew you for so many years at Von Steuben & Woodruff. You're in a better place now.

Saturday, Feb 7 at 9:09 PM ANGIE B wrote ...

MY HEART GO'S OUT TO THE FAMILY, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE HEART ACHE OF HIS MOTHER. STAY IN PRAYER!

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