By WMBD TV
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Just as testimony was to begin, the trial of a Georgia man accused of killing a Peoria teen four years ago was abruptly halted.
That’s because McLean County prosecutors told a judge they couldn’t find a crucial witness and as such, needed to push back the trial. The judge declared a mistrial on the request of prosecutors and over the objection of the man’s attorney.
But about 45 minutes after the trial was reset to August and jurors dismissed, that key witness was found and taken into custody, said McLean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds.
It’s too late to start Tomiyale Anderson’s murder trial but it could mean that another delay will not happen.
Anderson, 22, of Hampton, Ga., is accused of shooting and killing 17-year-old Kanye Stowers in April 2022 when the two were at a party in Bloomington. He faces several counts including first-degree murder.
The allegations
Anderson is accused of shooting Stowers in the 400 block of East Mill Street. Stowers, a Richwoods student, was shot in the back, according to court records.
The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. and was heard by an officer who was in the area due to a noise complaint. When they went to the home, they found Stowers lying on his back on the front porch. He was nonresponsive, and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to court records.
A look-a-like Glock 19X air compressed BB gun was located tucked inside his pants.
Surveillance video allegedly showed Anderson getting out of an SUV, walking to the back of the vehicle and then facing south. A muzzle flash is visible. Anderson takes a few steps backwards and another muzzle flash is seen, according to court records.
Stowers can be seen in the area at the time of the shots, according to court records.
Witnesses allegedly told police Stowers walked up to the SUV before trying to run away as
Witnesses said that K.S. went outside and walked up to Wesley’s Chevrolet Traverse before K.S. tried to run away from the Traverse towards 405 E. Mill St. as Anderson gets out of the vehicle.
Prior to the group going back outside, comments from Anderson’s group about watching Stowers BB gun which they thought was a real gun.
Evidence garnered from social media allegedly showed Anderson with guns and him telling a friend that he was “on the run.”
What happened this week
A jury of four men and ten women was picked Monday. Opening arguments were to begin Tuesday morning but due to the mistrial, they didn’t.
Judge Jason Chambers agreed to the delay, noting prosecutors has previously warned him of this possibly and also noting their past efforts to find the person which included contacting the witness’s parents, but they were unable to provide them with his location.
Defense attorney Jennifer Patton objected.
Anderson will remain in custody at the county jail pending trial which is now set for Aug. 10. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to life in prison.
WMBD TV first reported on this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
