Executive Summary
- Tanarius N. Kingcade, 20, pleaded guilty to armed robbery for his role in a deadly January 2024 incident in Peoria.
- The case involves an attempted robbery of two people during a pre-arranged Facebook Marketplace vehicle sale.
- One of the intended victims, acting in self-defense, shot and killed one of the alleged robbers, 18-year-old Marcus Whitehead.
- Kingcade faces a sentence of up to 21 years as part of a plea agreement; several co-defendants have also pleaded guilty while others await trial.
A 20-year-old Peoria man has pleaded guilty to armed robbery in connection with a January 2024 incident where a planned vehicle purchase arranged through Facebook Marketplace turned into a deadly confrontation. Tanarius N. Kingcade was one of six men who attempted to rob two individuals, resulting in one of the would-be robbers being shot and killed in self-defense by a victim.
On Monday, Kingcade entered a guilty plea in a Peoria County court. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than 21 years in prison. His official sentencing is scheduled for January 9 before Peoria County Circuit Judge Stephen Kouri.
The incident occurred on January 15, 2024, when two people traveled to an alley in South Peoria to complete the purchase of a vehicle they found on Facebook Marketplace. Upon arrival, they were ambushed by six men, including Kingcade, who attempted to rob them at gunpoint.
During the robbery attempt, one of the intended victims, who was in lawful possession of a firearm, exchanged gunfire with the assailants. He struck and killed 18-year-old Marcus Whitehead of Bloomington. Authorities investigated the shooting and determined it to be an act of self-defense, and no charges were filed against the shooter.
Investigators used Flock camera footage and other surveillance methods to identify and arrest the surviving suspects. Of the four other individuals charged, Jalyn Branscumb has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty, and Keshaun Williams has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The cases for Sontarrius Williams and Johnathan Williams are still pending.
Kingcade’s sentencing will proceed in January, while the remaining defendants have court dates scheduled for December. It is important to note that individuals whose cases are pending are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.