Peoria, Ill. — A homicide investigation is underway after a man was discovered dead inside a burning garage in Peoria on Wednesday morning.
At approximately 8:16 a.m., the Peoria Fire Department and Peoria Police Department responded to a garage fire behind a residence located at 1210 NE Perry. After firefighters extinguished the flames, they found the body of a man inside the structure.
The victim has been identified as 68-year-old Jimmy L. Steele. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:00 a.m. by the Peoria County Coroner.
An autopsy revealed that Steele died as a result of strangulation, along with multiple blunt and sharp force injuries. Officials confirmed that he was already deceased before the fire started.
The case remains under active investigation by the Peoria Police Department, the Peoria Fire Department, and the Peoria County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities have not released additional details, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
