PEORIA, Ill. – A 23-year-old Peoria man is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend in a twisted attempt to prove his devotion to his new girlfriend. Jaquon L. Timothy was arraigned this week on a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm following the July 19 shooting, according to the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say the disturbing act unfolded around 1:30 a.m. on July 19, when officers responded to a report of shots fired and discovered a woman suffering from gunshot wounds to both of her feet. The victim survived the attack and was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police confirmed. Prosecutors allege Timothy targeted his former partner as a way to “prove his love” to the woman he is currently dating.
Investigators say Timothy’s new girlfriend told police that he had openly discussed his plan to shoot his ex before carrying it out. After the incident, Timothy allegedly sent her a text message stating that he had “done it” and “carried it out.” A search warrant executed on his phone later revealed messages in which Timothy appeared to claim responsibility for the attack, according to the state’s attorney.
Timothy was arrested the day after the shooting and now faces potentially decades behind bars if convicted. The aggravated battery with a firearm charge alone carries a significant prison sentence, and prosecutors have underscored the seriousness of the case, pointing to what they described as a deliberate and calculated act of violence. The case remains under active investigation, and police have urged anyone with information to contact Peoria detectives.
This is not Timothy’s first encounter with the justice system. Court records show he previously served two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after a 2020 burglary of a gun store in which he and several accomplices stole nine firearms. He pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy and firearm theft charges stemming from that case. Authorities say his criminal history underscores the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
The shocking allegations have rattled residents of Peoria, where authorities stress that intimate partner violence continues to be a pressing concern. Prosecutors say the case highlights the dangers posed when personal relationships become entangled with reckless displays of violence. Timothy is currently being held pending further court proceedings, with his bond yet to be determined.