Suspects held after body discovered in East Bluff residence
Peoria police have arrested two people they say are connected to the death of a 41-year-old man whose body was found inside a freezer at an East Bluff home.
Authorities on Tuesday identified the suspects as 26-year-old Portia J. Stokes and 29-year-old Michael R. Jansen. Both were booked into the Peoria County Jail and face charges of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. State prosecutors filed petitions seeking to hold them pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 17.
How officers located the victim
Police were called Monday to a residence near California Avenue and Seneca Place for a welfare check. Officers said they knocked on the door with no response and entered the home. Inside, they encountered Stokes and took her into custody. During their search, they located the victim, identified by the Peoria County coroner as David King, inside a freezer. The coroner reported King had cuts on his body and that his remains were frozen.
Statements and next steps in the investigation
According to the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office, while being interviewed, Jansen at first said he and Stokes were responsible for the killing and moved King’s body to the freezer; he later changed his account and said Stokes acted alone. Both suspects remain in custody.
"More information is expected to come out after autopsy proceedings, the coroner said."
The coroner’s office will perform an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. The State’s Attorney’s Office and the Peoria Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
- Victim: David King, 41, of Peoria (identified by Peoria County coroner)
- Location: Residence at California Avenue and Seneca Place, East Bluff neighborhood
- Suspects: Portia J. Stokes, 26; Michael R. Jansen, 29
- Charges: First-degree murder; concealment of a homicidal death
- Next court date: Detention hearing on July 17
| Person | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| David King | 41 | Deceased; body found in freezer |
| Portia J. Stokes | 26 | In custody; charged |
| Michael R. Jansen | 29 | In custody; charged |
Neighbors in the East Bluff neighborhood expressed shock as investigators worked at the scene Monday. The arrests announced Tuesday came a day after officers discovered King, and the State’s Attorney’s Office said petitions to detain the suspects were filed the same day they were booked. Prosecutors and investigators have not released additional motive information; authorities ask anyone with relevant information to contact the Peoria Police Department.
This remains an active homicide investigation. Additional updates will follow as official reports, the autopsy and court proceedings provide more detail.
