A reported domestic violence incident turned deadly in downtown Peoria, Illinois, on May 8, 2026, after a woman was allegedly abducted and fatally shot by her former boyfriend. According to authorities, the suspect also opened fire on a responding police officer, who returned fire during the confrontation.
The woman, identified as 42-year-old Ashley N. Stenson, was taken to a local hospital after the shooting but later died from her injuries. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Cortez White, also died after being transported to the hospital and undergoing surgery.
The incident prompted an investigation by the Illinois State Police, with information released by local police, the county coroner, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
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What Happened in the Peoria, Illinois, Shooting?
According to the information released by authorities, the incident began when Ashley N. Stenson arrived at Peoria International Airport for a wedding.
Her former boyfriend, Cortez White, allegedly approached her unexpectedly and forced her into a pickup truck. Investigators said the situation escalated into a dangerous domestic violence incident.
Stenson reportedly sent text messages to relatives, telling them that White would not allow her to leave and had threatened to kill her.
Concerned for her safety, her family contacted law enforcement. They provided officers with descriptions of the two individuals and information about the pickup truck they were believed to be traveling in.
The information helped police locate the pair later that evening.
Police Officer Locates the Pair Near a Downtown Hotel
At approximately 6:36 p.m. on May 8, a Peoria police officer located Stenson and White near the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in downtown Peoria.
According to investigators, the officer approached the pair and asked whether they were Ashley and Cortez.
Authorities allege that White suddenly pulled out a Taurus 9mm handgun and fired multiple shots at Stenson.
The situation quickly became a deadly confrontation. Investigators said White then turned the weapon toward the responding officer, prompting the officer to return fire.
White reportedly attempted to flee during the exchange of gunfire.
The responding officer was not injured in the incident.
Authorities have not described the event as a routine police encounter; rather, the available information indicates that the officer arrived after relatives reported a potentially dangerous situation involving the former couple.
Ashley Stenson and Cortez White Taken to Hospital
Following the shooting, both Ashley N. Stenson and Cortez White were transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Despite medical treatment, Stenson was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
White also sustained fatal injuries. According to the information provided by authorities, he died during surgery.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of both individuals, while the police officer involved in the exchange of gunfire escaped physical injury.
Autopsy Reveals Five Gunshot Wounds
The county coroner’s office conducted an autopsy to determine the nature of Stenson’s injuries.
According to the reported findings, Stenson suffered five gunshot wounds. These included two wounds to the head and one to the chest.
The findings documented the severity of the injuries she sustained during the shooting.
Authorities have not provided additional details in the information available about the exact sequence of every shot or the complete forensic findings from the investigation.
Family’s Warning Helped Police Respond
One of the key details in the case is the role played by Stenson’s family.
Before police located the pair, Stenson reportedly sent messages indicating that she was being prevented from leaving and that White had threatened to kill her.
Her relatives contacted authorities and shared identifying information about the individuals and their vehicle.
Police subsequently located the pair near the hotel.
The reported sequence of events highlights how communication from a person who may be experiencing domestic abuse can help alert authorities to a potentially life-threatening emergency.
However, the available information does not establish whether police had any earlier contact with either individual before the family’s report.
Investigation by Illinois State Police
The Illinois State Police investigated the shooting. Information about the incident was also released by the Peoria Police Department, the county coroner, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
The investigation involved examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, the officer’s response, and the deaths of Stenson and White.
Because the incident involved an officer firing a weapon, investigators would need to establish the circumstances of the encounter and document the evidence relevant to the shooting.
The information provided for this report does not include a final investigative determination, additional forensic details, or a detailed account of any subsequent official findings. Therefore, allegations about White’s actions should be distinguished from independently established findings.
Domestic Violence and Emergency Safety
This incident is a tragic reminder that threats and attempts to prevent a partner or former partner from leaving can be serious warning signs of potential violence.
People who believe they are in immediate danger should contact local emergency services when it is safe to do so. If someone sends a message indicating that they are being threatened or held against their will, relatives can share that information with law enforcement.
Safety planning and support from domestic violence organizations may also help people experiencing abuse identify safer ways to seek assistance.
In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In an immediate emergency, call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where did the Peoria shooting happen?
The shooting occurred near the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in downtown Peoria, Illinois.
2. When did the incident take place?
Authorities reported that the incident occurred on May 8, 2026, at approximately 6:36 p.m.
3. Who were the individuals involved?
The woman was identified as 42-year-old Ashley N. Stenson, and the man identified as her former boyfriend was 41-year-old Cortez White.
4. What did police say happened?
According to authorities, White allegedly forced Stenson into a pickup truck, later shot her multiple times near the hotel, and turned his firearm toward a responding officer. The officer returned fire.
5. Did the police officer suffer injuries?
No. According to the information released about the incident, the responding officer was not injured.
6. What did the autopsy reveal?
The autopsy reportedly found five gunshot wounds on Stenson, including two to the head and one to the chest.
7. Who investigated the shooting?
The Illinois State Police investigated the incident, with information also released by the Peoria Police Department, the county coroner, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Conclusion
The May 8, 2026, shooting near a downtown Peoria hotel ended with the deaths of Ashley N. Stenson and Cortez White after an alleged domestic violence incident escalated into gunfire.
According to authorities, Stenson had contacted relatives for help before police located the pair. The responding officer was confronted with gunfire and returned fire but was not injured.
The case underscores the potentially devastating consequences of domestic violence threats and the importance of reporting situations that may involve immediate danger. Further conclusions about the incident should be based on verified findings from the official investigation.
Editorial note: This article is based on the incident details provided. Readers should consult official statements from the Illinois State Police, Peoria Police Department, and the county coroner for any subsequent updates or final investigative findings.