DailyKenn.com — A Peoria County judge is calling the actions of 19-year-old Deziaah Hunter “cruel and reckless” after she allegedly fired a gunshot that struck 18-year-old Kenadee Wallenfang in the back of the head on the Peoria riverfront last Tuesday.
Investigators say the gun was fired from just inches away. Wallenfang is now brain dead and expected to be removed from life support following organ donation procedures.
Hunter is currently charged with aggravated battery and faces between six and 30 years in prison. Prosecutors say they plan to file a first-degree murder charge once life support is withdrawn, which would carry a much harsher sentence.
The shooting happened inside a red SUV parked on Southwest Water Street. According to prosecutors, Hunter was seated behind Wallenfang when the gun went off. A third person in the vehicle told authorities there was no argument before the shooting.
Witnesses say Hunter appeared to be in shock and tried to help Wallenfang, placing a sweatshirt under her head and attempting CPR. The defense argues this points to an accidental shooting rather than an intentional act.
Prosecutors say Hunter was under the influence of drugs at the time and was too intoxicated to be interviewed by police until the following day.
At the scene, police recovered a gun Hunter admitted she stole, along with an ammunition magazine and a spent shell casing.
Judge Mark Gilles ordered that Hunter remain in custody, citing a “brutal and reckless disregard for human life” and concerns for public safety.
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**Source for background facts:**
https://www.25newsnow.com/2025/06/05/18-year-old-declared-brain-dead-after-peoria-riverfront-shooting/
Kenadee Wallenfang, 18, fatally shot in Peoria, IL, by Kenn Gividen, DailyKenn.com
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