Peoria Woman Arrested For Killing Cousin With a Hammer

A Peoria woman has been arrested and charged with killing her cousin with a hammer.

Officers say they called to a Peoria residence Wednesday afternoon near 112th Avenue and Diana and found a victim, a 33-year-old man who had suffered blunt force trauma.

Police investigators identified the suspect as 29-year-old Brianna Zerth, a cousin and roommate of the victim.

Police report that the two had apparently been drinking and got into an argument, resulting in the deadly attack.


Zerth’s 6-year-old daughter was also home at the time but she was not hurt.

Zerth was arrested without incident and faces charges including second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and aggravated assault.