by Peoria, Illinois – A 20-year-old Illinois woman has been sentenced to 31 years in prison after shooting her boyfriend multiple times during an argument, despite initially claiming self-defense. The case has drawn significant attention in Peoria County, highlighting both violent crime and the challenges of evaluating self-defense claims.
Incident Details
Tnashia Wash, then 19, fired six shots at her 30-year-old boyfriend, Roderick Richardson, on October 16, 2023. At the time, Wash and her child were staying at Richardson’s home. According to authorities, the argument escalated into physical violence, leading Wash to take his gun and fire several times.
Wash told police she acted in self-defense, claiming Richardson had threatened both her and her child. She said that when Richardson “charged” at her, she had no choice but to shoot to protect herself.
Autopsy Reveals Contradictions
An autopsy revealed that four of the six shots struck Richardson in the back, calling Wash’s self-defense claim into question. Prosecutors highlighted that the gunshot wounds were inconsistent with someone defending themselves from an immediate, close-range threat.
“The evidence clearly shows that the shooting could not have occurred in the manner Wash described,” the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office stated. “Four shots in the back contradict her claim of self-defense.”
Guilty Plea and Court Proceedings
Wash eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in June 2025, just days before her trial was set to begin. Chief Judge Katherine Gorman sentenced her to 31 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 20 years, taking into account her age at the time of the crime.
Prosecutors noted that Wash’s plea spared the family the ordeal of a full trial but stressed the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim’s loved ones.
Family and Community Impact
According to Law & Crime, During the sentencing hearing, Richardson’s mother read a heartfelt statement describing the devastating consequences of losing her son. She said, “Wash didn’t just take her son’s life but shattered our family and left a permanent hole that can never be repaired.”
Community members and local officials emphasized that cases like this have ripple effects beyond the immediate family, affecting friends, neighbors, and the broader Peoria County community.
Illinois Self-Defense Laws
Under Illinois law, self-defense claims can be used to justify the use of deadly force if a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. However, forensic evidence, including the trajectory of gunshot wounds and witness accounts, can invalidate such claims if the circumstances do not match the legal requirements.
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In Wash’s case, the shots to the back were a key factor in disproving her self-defense argument. Legal experts note that claiming self-defense does not automatically shield someone from prosecution if evidence contradicts the claim.
Local Crime Context
Peoria County has seen fluctuations in violent crime over the past several years. While Illinois law provides protections for those genuinely acting in self-defense, authorities continue to stress the importance of investigating every violent incident thoroughly. Prosecutors rely on forensic evidence, witness statements, and investigative reports to ensure justice is served.
Takeaway
The case underscores the consequences of violent actions, particularly when self-defense claims are contradicted by physical evidence. It also reflects the justice system’s role in balancing accountability with consideration for the offender’s age at the time of the crime.
What are your thoughts on self-defense claims in cases like this? Was the 31-year sentence fair given the circumstances? Share your opinions in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
