92-year-old retired Peoria doctor identified as victim in city's first homicide of 2021

PEORIA – A 92-year-old retired physician who had been stabbed multiple times was identified as the city's first homicide victim of 2021, the Peoria County Coroner said on Thursday.

Dr. William H. Marshall suffered wounds to the front and back of his body, said Jamie Harwood in a news release. "He likely died moments after the inflicted trauma."

The coroner said further details are being withheld due to the ongoing police investigation in Marshall's death.

He was a "distinguished and well respected retired physician," Harwood said in his release.

Peoria police were called to the 500 block of East High Point Place about 9:34 a.m. on Wednesday on a report of a man injured inside one of the houses. 

When they arrived, officers found a man with "obvious trauma to his body," according to a statement issued by the department.

Peoria Police Spokeswoman Amy Dotson said there is no suspect information at this time, and the matter remains under investigation. 

The neighborhood was quiet on Thursday with only the sound of ice and snow falling onto the ground. Several neighbors on the short street responded to inquiries either by declining to speak to a reporter, or by saying they didn't know anything relevant about the slaying. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident, including camera footage, is asked to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521 or CrimeStoppers anonymously at (309) 673-9000.