Man pleads not guilty to killing wife, stepson in West Peoria

WEST PEORIA (25 News Now) - The man accused of shooting and killing his wife and 8-year-old son has pleaded not guilty.

Ricky Payne entered that plea to all six counts of first-degree murder for the September 29th deaths of Quardreka Payne and his stepson Cael.

The prosecutor says Payne was not supposed to be at the house in West Peoria based on a standing order of protection his wife had in place. He is from Mississippi and does not reside in the area. Quardreka’s brother has said he helped move his sister home specifically to get away from her husband.

Payne’s next review hearing is set for December 1. Payne’s public defender requested a jury trial. That is currently scheduled for December 12, but will likely be delayed based on the complexity of the case.

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