Jaquon Timothy, 23, from Peoria, Illinois, has been arrested after shooting his ex-girlfriend in both feet to prove his love to his new girlfriend. Timothy now faces serious charges, including aggravated battery with a firearm.
Jaquon Timothy Arrested After Shooting Ex-Girlfriend to ‘Prove His Love’ to New Girlfriend
Peoria, Illinois — Jaquon Timothy, a 23-year-old man from Peoria, was arrested on September 18, 2025, after police say he shot his ex-girlfriend in both feet to prove his love to his new girlfriend. The incident, which occurred in July 2025, has raised serious concerns about the toxic dynamics of jealousy, manipulation, and violence in relationships.
The Attack: A Disturbing Act of Violence
Authorities say the attack occurred on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on West Starr Street in South Peoria. Investigators were called to the scene after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, police found the victim — Timothy’s ex-girlfriend — suffering from gunshot wounds to both of her feet. Despite the severity of her injuries, the woman was alive and was immediately transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Jaquon Timothy’s Disturbing Motive
Investigators later learned that Jaquon Timothy had told his new girlfriend that he would shoot his ex-girlfriend to demonstrate how serious he was about their relationship. According to authorities, Timothy’s new girlfriend confirmed to police that he confessed to the act of shooting his ex-girlfriend after the incident occurred.
Text Message Evidence and Arrest
Further investigation revealed text messages on Timothy’s phone, where he allegedly admitted to the crime, further confirming the motive behind the shooting. These texts provided clear evidence that Timothy had planned the violent act as a misguided attempt to demonstrate his commitment to his new girlfriend.
On September 18, 2025, Jaquon Timothy was arrested and taken into custody. He is now facing a serious charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. As of the arrest, he is being held without bond as the case proceeds through the legal system.
Legal Consequences: Possible Long-Term Sentence
If Jaquon Timothy is convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in a state correctional facility. Aggravated battery with a firearm is a serious charge, and authorities are treating the case with the gravity it deserves, considering both the violent nature of the crime and the manipulation involved.
“This case is a clear example of how manipulation and jealousy can lead to dangerous consequences,” said a Peoria Police Department spokesperson. “We take such acts of violence very seriously, and the public must understand that there are severe consequences for actions of this nature.”
The Victim: A Young Woman’s Survival and Recovery
The victim, who was shot in both feet, is lucky to have survived the attack. While the injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening. She is expected to make a full recovery, though the emotional and psychological impact of such a traumatic event will likely stay with her for much longer.
The Peoria community has expressed their support for the victim and her family, condemning the violence and offering their assistance in any way they can. Domestic violence advocacy groups are also rallying to provide support for the victim, emphasizing the importance of mental health care and safety following traumatic events like this.
Raising Awareness About Domestic Violence and Toxic Relationships
This tragic incident has brought renewed attention to the prevalence of domestic violence, jealousy-driven violence, and toxic relationships. Advocates for victims of domestic abuse are using the case to highlight the dangers of manipulation, control, and violence in relationships.
“This is a clear reminder of the dangerous consequences of toxic relationships and emotional manipulation,” said a local domestic violence advocate. “We need to ensure that we support those who are at risk of violence and that we educate our communities about the signs of abuse.”
Organizations that support victims of domestic violence are encouraging anyone in abusive relationships to reach out for help, with many offering confidential counseling services and safe spaces for those in need.
Jaquon Timothy’s Legal Journey
As the legal process moves forward, Jaquon Timothy will face a court trial to determine his guilt or innocence. His arrest and charges highlight the severe consequences of using violence to resolve personal issues and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Community Reactions: A Call for Justice and Prevention
The Peoria community has expressed outrage and disbelief at the incident, particularly due to the calculated and violent nature of the attack. Local residents are calling for justice for the victim and for stronger measures to prevent domestic violence and jealousy-driven crimes.
Community leaders, including advocacy groups, are also speaking out, urging individuals in unhealthy relationships to seek help before such acts of violence occur. Domestic violence prevention is an issue that affects communities nationwide, and this incident has only underscored the importance of early intervention and education.
Final Thoughts: Justice for the Victim and the Danger of Toxic Relationships
Jaquon Timothy’s violent actions against his ex-girlfriend highlight the dark reality of domestic violence driven by manipulation, jealousy, and control. While Timothy’s life is now being shaped by serious criminal charges, the victim’s journey of healing is just beginning.
As the legal process unfolds, the community’s hope is that justice will be served, and that this case will bring more attention to the importance of mental health support, domestic violence prevention, and education on how to recognize and address unhealthy relationships before they escalate to violence.
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