Wednesday around 5:08 a.m. the Peoria Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of East Virginia Avenue to find heavy fire and black smoke coming from the back of the house. While searching the home one victim was found inside.
J’Naysia Marie Hobbs, 24, was pronounced dead on the scene at 6:33 a.m. She was a health care worker and mother of two. Her family and loved ones say she was a genuinely sweet person who always put her children first.
The next door neighbor, who would like to remain anonymous, says she was woken by one of her children screaming after seeing flames.
“I called the police before I ran over there. I ran over there, I beat and kicked on the door. It still wouldn’t come open. I just feel real bad, like I know I couldn’t really do anything but I feel real bad. By me being next door and I really can’t do anything.”