Gabriel Cook, 34, Found Dead with Head Gunshot Wound, Coroner Confirms; Closure for Family After ‘Bodyless’ Prosecution of Allen Schimmelpfennig, Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison”
The Peoria County Coroner’s Office has released autopsy results confirming that Gabriel Cook, a 34-year-old Peoria, Illinois, man who went missing for three years, died from a gunshot wound to the head. Cook’s skeletal remains were found on Saturday in the 5600 block of Pottstown Road by a man walking on his property.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood has ruled Cook’s death a homicide, bringing closure to the family after a lengthy investigation and prosecution. In June 2022, Allen Schimmelpfennig, 31, of Peoria, was found guilty of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide in what the state’s prosecutors called the first-ever “bodyless” prosecution.
Schimmelpfennig was sentenced to 80 years in prison despite Cook’s body not being found at the time. A large pool of dried blood, believed to be Cook’s, was found in a container owned by Schimmelpfennig, according to a statement by State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos after the trial.
The discovery of Cook’s remains brings closure to the family, who had been searching for answers for three years. Coroner Jamie Harwood explained that the autopsy and discovery of the body provide the crucial piece of information the family was missing.
Harwood positively identified Cook by deciphering the serial numbers on plates and screws inserted into his shoulder during a previous surgery, which matched his surgical records. This identification method was crucial in confirming Cook’s identity.
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office worked together to investigate the discovery of Cook’s remains and confirm his identity. Sheriff Chris Watkins provided information about the discovery, and Coroner Harwood discussed the autopsy results and identification process.
The “bodyless” prosecution of Allen Schimmelpfennig was a rare case in which the state’s prosecutors pursued a murder conviction without a physical body. The conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, including the large pool of dried blood found in Schimmelpfennig’s container.
The case highlights the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement and forensic experts in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims and their families. Coroner Harwood emphasized the importance of treating the situation with compassion, acknowledging the family’s loss and the significance of finding closure.
In conclusion, the confirmation of Gabriel Cook’s death and the discovery of his remains bring closure to a complex and challenging case. The “bodyless” prosecution of Allen Schimmelpfennig serves as a testament to the power of forensic evidence and the dedication of law enforcement in solving crimes.
The Peoria County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate and work together to ensure justice is served in this case, providing support and closure to the family and loved ones of Gabriel Cook.
