PEORIA, Ill. – The mother of a Peoria Richwoods High School student shot and killed in Bloomington in April of last year is relieved to know that the man accused of murder has been arrested, but also knows that the road to justice is only at the starting line.
Tomeka Love says she’s been looking for answers in the death of Kanye Stowers, 17 – shot at a house party there.
“Justice is on its way, my journey has started. I want to see, I want to know. I want to know why, I want to know what was the purpose,” Love told 25 News. “I know we don’t have the death penalty. I don’t wish that on anyone, but I do want him to get life in prison for what he did to my child.”
Love tells 25 News she was working at Rivian when she got the call that her youngest son had been shot.
She says she listens to music Stowers produced when she wants to hear his voice. Stowers had enrolled in Illinois Central College to study psychology, and also wanted to continue down a music path.
Love does admit that he liked to frequent college parties in the Bloomington area.
Tomiyale Anderson, 20, of Hampton, Georgia was arrested Wednesday night in Chicago, but has not been extradited back to McLean County to face the murder charges.
Love says of all the things Anderson is accused of doing, not letting Stowers graduate from Richwoods may be the worst.
“I wanted to see him walk that line,” Love said. “I remember him telling me ‘Mom, I’ve got my cap and gown. I’m ready.’”
