In a tragic case from Peoria, Illinois, a man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he shot his ex-girlfriend in the back, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. The emotional courtroom hearing highlighted how the shooting has changed the victim’s life forever.
What Happened?
The incident took place in July 2024. According to the police, Deandre Ward, 24, shot his ex-girlfriend during a fight on East Virginia Avenue in Peoria. At the time, the 22-year-old woman was involved in a separate fight with another woman and had a knife. But after the fight ended, as she was running away, Ward shot her in the back.
The bullet damaged her kidney and struck her spine, leading to permanent paralysis from the waist down.
The Victim’s Life Has Changed Completely
During the sentencing hearing, the victim spoke through tears, describing how her life has been destroyed by the shooting. She said she can no longer do simple things like bathing or using the washroom without help. She now needs daily care, takes regular medication, and suffers constant pain.
She has also been admitted to the hospital several times since the shooting.
“I’ll never be the same,” she told the court, summing up the deep impact the incident has had on her life.
The Courtroom and Sentencing
Deandre Ward pleaded guilty to aggravated battery on April 17. On June 26, 2025, the Peoria County judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Ward had already spent nearly a year in jail and received credit for 351 days. As per the law, he will need to serve at least 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for release.
In court, Ward said he was sorry for the pain he caused and asked not to be judged only by this one mistake. However, the judge responded strongly, saying the victim’s entire life had been changed because of what he did.
A Painful Reminder of Domestic Violence
This case serves as a serious reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and how arguments can turn into life-changing tragedies. A relationship that had recently ended took a dark turn, and one moment of violence resulted in a lifelong injury for a young woman.
What happened in Peoria is a heartbreaking story of how violence can destroy lives. While the attacker will serve his time in prison, the victim will continue to live with the painful effects of that one moment.
This case also highlights the importance of emotional control and the need to seek peaceful solutions, especially when relationships end.
