Peoria Man Nathaniel Archuleta Gets 45 Years for Murder of Girlfriend Mary Halcomb in Staged Suicide Case

In a case that shocked the community of Peoria, Illinois, Nathaniel N. Archuleta, 19, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on July 7, 2025, for the slaying of his girlfriend, Mary Halcomb, 20. The tragic incident occurred on September 6, 2024, when police responded to a distress call at a residence in the 1400 block of South Griswold in South Peoria, initially reported as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Mary Halcomb's body on a stairwell landing, a firearm in her hand, and a single gunshot wound to her neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene. However, inconsistencies in the crime scene quickly raised suspicions. A discernible blood trail led from a downstairs bedroom to the stairwell, indicating that Halcomb's body had been moved. Furthermore, a disturbing Post-It note was found in the downstairs bedroom, which read, “I, Mary Elyce Halcomb, promise to never break Nathaniel Archuleta's heart, and if I do, Nathaniel Archuleta has every right to euthanize me, vice versa, I love you.” This note, along with Archuleta's conflicting accounts to police, undermined the initial suicide narrative. He first claimed Halcomb took her own life, then shifted his story, asserting the gun accidentally discharged while he was cleaning it.

The investigation uncovered the true motive behind the heinous act: jealousy. While in custody, Archuleta confessed to a fellow inmate that he shot Halcomb because he discovered her texting another man. This admission corroborated the evidence of a staged suicide, revealing a calculated attempt to conceal his crime.

During the emotional plea hearing, Mary's family members and loved ones shared their profound grief and the devastating impact of her loss. They spoke of "sleepless nights, nightmares, and persistent heartbreak," conveying an "overwhelming sense of loss" for shared dreams and milestones that will now never be realized. Mary's mother, Ashley Halcomb, described her daughter as her "best friend," highlighting the deep bond they shared and the trust Mary placed in her. The family's powerful testimonies underscored the severe emotional toll caused by Archuleta's "selfish and unforgivable" actions, emphasizing that "blood will forever be on his hands."

As part of a fully negotiated plea agreement, which received the support of Mary's family, Archuleta was sentenced to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He is mandated to serve 100% of his sentence, ensuring a lengthy period of incarceration for his crime. Archuleta had no prior criminal history before this incident. The resolution of this case through a plea rather than a protracted trial was a significant step for the Halcomb family in their pursuit of justice and closure.