PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. — Authorities in Illinois have taken a man into custody after a mother and her young son were found dead early Friday in what is believed to be a domestic violence incident. Heaven J. Wood, 20, and her 2-year-old son, KJ Duncan-Wood, were discovered after Peoria County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a car fire and subsequently conducted a welfare check at a nearby residence.
According to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood, Heaven J. Wood was found inside the Peoria County home suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her son, KJ Duncan-Wood, was found dead inside the burning car by first responders. Harwood stated that the toddler suffered severe smoke inhalation and likely passed away moments after the fire began.
Peoria County Sheriff’s deputies and Peoria Police arrested 24-year-old Jeremiah Duncan shortly after noon on Friday. Sheriff Chris Watkins confirmed that Duncan was armed with a knife at the time of his apprehension and was also suffering from serious burns. Duncan is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility, according to Sheriff Watkins. The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office is expected to file formal charges against him.
Authorities indicated that a preliminary investigation suggests the car had been driven away from the area of the shooting before it crashed. It was not immediately clear whether the fire was intentionally set. Both Sheriff Watkins and Coroner Harwood were unable to confirm whether the deceased toddler was Duncan’s son.
Coroner Harwood issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy, saying this day was nothing short of tragic for Ms. Wood and her son. Sheriff Watkins also released a statement, emphasizing that "days like today are a sobering reminder of the devastating impact domestic violence can have on families and our entire community." Harwood urged anyone who knows a victim of domestic abuse or is in an unsafe situation with a domestic partner to contact the Center for Prevention of Abuse’s crisis hotline at 1-800-559-SAFE (7233).
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with more details anticipated as formal charges are filed and authorities continue to piece together the events of Friday morning in Peoria County.