According to prosecutors, the 10-year-old from Peoria was killed by a stray bullet fired after the drug deal failed

A 10-year-old fatally shot in South Peoria Sunday night was an innocent bystander caught in the gunfire that followed an apparent botched robbery.

This is according to information from the Peoria County District Attorney’s Office. Maurice D. Sargent, 33, was allegedly trying to buy cannabis from two teenagers at the CityScape Apartments on RB Garrett Avenue when they tried to rob him.

Prosecutors say Sargent fired a gun after the deal fell through and a stray bullet struck Torres L. Johnson II in the chest as he walked nearby. Johnson, who was not involved in the drug deal, was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after 8 p.m

Sargent is now charged with Johnson’s murder. He is also accused of being an armed habitual criminal. This is a charge reserved for repeat convicted criminals. Sargent has a long criminal record.

A 14-year-old is also charged with attempted armed robbery in connection with the case.

The state is requesting that Sargent be held in custody. A Peoria County judge will consider that petition Friday.

Johnson is the city’s seventh murder victim in September. A fund was set up at Busey Bank to raise funds for his funeral expenses. Services are scheduled for Friday, October 11th.