Loved ones remember 19-year-old Quinton Scott, Peoria’s 12th homicide victim

PEORIA (25 News Now) - Loved ones are remembering the life of 19-year-old Quinton Scott. He is the 12th homicide in Peoria this year.

“He had a purpose and I feel like his impact on us was everything,” said Marcellus Sommerville, CEO of Peoria’s Friendship House.

Scott graduated a few months ago from Peoria Public Schools.

“Just bought his first car, worked everyday at the Friendship House and his dream was to be a carpenter,” said Hedy Elliott-Gardner, Scott’s middle school teacher.

That all changed early Monday morning. Scott was shot and killed at Taft Homes in Peoria.

“I just can’t stop thinking about his smile,” said Sommerville.

Scott worked for Sommerville and participated in his mentoring programs at the Friendship House. Sommerville says the young man was looking for an opportunity to better himself.

“He wanted to get out of life situations and circumstances and how he was fighting for that,” said Sommerville.

His middle school teacher, Elliott-Gardner, said she was like a mentor to Scott. They had plans to go skydiving together.

“Everybody’s just heartbroken because he was determined. He was going to do it and he was doing it and then his life was cut short,” said Elliott-Gardner.

Now, she hopes to see change in the community.

“Younger people have the ability to change everything going on forward, being more positive being more kind, contributing to the community,” said Elliott-Gardner.

Peoria Police have not made an arrest in this case.

“Ultimately of course, them to capture who ever did this. I have confidence that will happen,” said Sommerville.

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