PEORIA, Illinois — A 30-year-old woman who was fatally shot on Peoria’s South Side earlier this week has been identified by her family as Dionna “Dee” Causey, a mother of five whose loved ones are now mourning a life they describe as full of warmth, energy and promise.
Causey was shot shortly after 1:15 p.m. Monday in the 1900 block of West Antoinette Street, according to police information provided in the aftermath of the shooting.
After being wounded, she was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Family members have identified her as Causey, although at the time of the initial report, the Peoria County Coroner had not yet formally released her identity or confirmed the official cause of death.
Remembered as “Dee”
To the people closest to her, Causey was known simply as Dee.
Family and friends describe her as outgoing, warm and peaceful — someone who enjoyed being around other people and brought energy into the lives of those who knew her.
Loved ones say she was known for giving people their flowers while they were still alive and making those around her feel appreciated.
She also loved singing and dancing, and family members have been revisiting videos of her on TikTok as they struggle to come to terms with her sudden death.
For those mourning her, those videos now serve as precious reminders of the personality and joy they associated with Dee.
Mother of Five
Causey’s death has left behind five children — three boys and two girls.
Her family is now facing the difficult reality of raising and supporting the children while grieving the loss of their mother.
Loved ones have asked the community for prayers and support as they try to navigate the days ahead.
The circumstances of her death have added another layer of pain for relatives who are seeking answers about what happened and who was responsible.
A Mother Pursuing a New Career
Beyond her role as a mother, Causey was also working toward a personal goal.
According to people close to her, she was studying to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and was excited about the direction her life was taking.
Friends said she was happy to be pursuing that career path and building a future for herself and her children.
Her family now mourns not only the mother they lost but also the future she had been working toward.
Shooting Investigation
Peoria police said officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 1900 block of West Antoinette Street shortly after 1:15 p.m. Monday.
Causey was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital, where she later died.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
At the time of the update provided by police and family, no suspect information had been released.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene, speak with witnesses and determine what led to the shooting.
Police have not publicly identified a motive.
Crash Near City Market
The shooting also drew attention because Causey’s vehicle subsequently crashed into the area of City Market on South Western Avenue.
The crash occurred after she had been shot, according to the information provided about the incident.
Authorities have not publicly released a complete account explaining the sequence between the shooting on Antoinette Street and the crash.
As the investigation continues, detectives will work to establish a precise timeline of events and determine whether additional witnesses or surveillance footage can help identify the person responsible.
Family Seeks Answers
For Causey’s loved ones, the investigation is now intertwined with the painful process of saying goodbye to a woman they knew as Dee.
They remember her as someone who loved her children, enjoyed music and dancing, encouraged others and was pursuing a career that could have created new opportunities for her family.
Her death has left five children without their mother and a family searching for answers.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department or Crime Stoppers and reference PPD Incident #26-73327.
The investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as detectives continue their work.
Domestic Violence Awareness Reminder
The shooting comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and connecting people with resources and support.
Anyone experiencing an unsafe situation, or anyone concerned about the safety of a loved one, is encouraged to seek help from local or national support services.
For Causey’s family, however, the immediate focus is on remembering Dee and supporting her five children through an unimaginable loss.
Dionna “Dee” Causey was 30 years old. She was a mother, a student and a woman working toward a new future. Her loved ones now ask the community to remember her life, keep her children in their prayers and help ensure that the circumstances surrounding her death are fully investigated.
Rest in peace, Dee.
