Death of man found in burnt Peoria garage now investigated as homicide

PEORIA, Ill. – The death of a man in a burnt garage in Peoria’s North Valley neighborhood is now being investigated as a homicide.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood on Friday identified the victim as 68-year-old Jimmy Steele.

Harwood says Steele was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire at around 9:00 A.M. Wednesday morning at Perry and Spring. Steele’s body was found inside a burnt garage behind the residence after the fire was put out.

Harwood says an autopsy shows Steele suffered strangulation, as well as multiple blunt and sharp force injuries, and was deceased before the fire.

The death remains under investigation.