Body of Peoria Heights Woman Found in Illinois River

PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. – The Peoria County Coroner has confirmed the identity of a woman found in the Illinois River on March 18 as 24-year-old Alexsus Nellum of Peoria Heights. The identification was made through her fingerprints, analyzed by the Illinois State Police Crime Lab.

Coroner Jamie Harwood expressed gratitude to the public for their attention to the case and emphasized the importance of ongoing investigations by both his office and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office to uncover more details.

Authorities were alerted to the body around 2:30 p.m. on Monday after a Mosaic Fertilizer employee discovered it near 8710 Cargill Rd. The Pekin Fire Department responded with a boat to retrieve the body, navigating challenging and windy conditions.

“The currents were high in the river, making recovery efforts difficult. I am grateful for the efforts of the Pekin Fire Department,” Harwood said.

While the cause of death is still under investigation, Harwood indicated that the victim may have been in the water for at least 24 hours before her body was found.

Detectives described Nellum as being mixed race, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing around 280 pounds, with very short, tight, curly black hair. She had no visible tattoos or scars and was not wearing any jewelry at the time.

The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information that could aid in the investigation to reach out to Detective Hoffman at 309-657-5532. Tips can also be submitted via CrimeStoppers or through the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.