Peoria Man Sentenced in Botched Facebook Marketplace Robbery Resulting in Death

A 20-year-traditional Peoria man, Keshawn Williams, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to 15 years in prison for his role in a January 2024 armed robbery arranged through Facebook Marketplace that led to the death of an accomplice, 18-year-old Marcus Whitehead of Bloomington. Peoria Journal Star reported the sentencing.

Details of the Robbery and Sentencing

Williams pleaded guilty to armed robbery in July 2025. Peoria County Judge Stephen Kouri handed down the sentence, making Williams the fifth and final defendant to be sentenced in connection with the crime. Prosecutors initially sought a 21-year prison term, the maximum allowed under the plea agreement.

Assistant State’s Attorney Dave Gast argued that Williams and his co-defendants ambushed two individuals who traveled from out of state to Peoria to purchase a vehicle advertised on Facebook Marketplace. The intended victims were directed to an alley where the defendants were waiting. During the attempted robbery, one of the purchasers, a legal gun owner, exchanged gunfire with the defendants, resulting in the death of Marcus Whitehead.

Sentences for Other Defendants

Several other individuals involved in the robbery have already been sentenced. Jalyn Branscumb received a 22-year sentence, whereas Sontarrius Williams was sentenced to 28 years in prison – the maximum term under his plea agreement. Jonathan Williams, who arranged the meeting through Facebook, received an eight-year sentence. Tanarius N. Kingcade was sentenced to 21 years in prison on February 20, 2026.

Investigation and Aftermath

Police stated that the shooting occurred during a potential Facebook Marketplace transaction where two individuals came to Peoria to buy a vehicle. The would-be buyers were led into an alley where several individuals attempted to rob them. A struggle ensued and shots were fired by both the robbers and one of the intended victims. The victim who fired the weapon had a valid license to carry from another state and was not charged.