Washington woman's death declared a homicide

A Peoria County coroner's jury declared the October death of a Washington woman a homicide.

At an inquest Jan. 8, the jury said Meredith Grube, 30, 609 Walnut St., died from an acute asthma attack.

But the jury also said that factors such as a verbal and physical fight with another person prior to the asthma attack and a delay in getting medical help for Grube were aggravating circumstanced that directly contributed to her death.

Grube died at 8:48 p.m. Oct. 15, 2012 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll said she will give her reports regarding Grube's death to Tazewell County State's Attorney Stu Umholtz for review.

Ingersoll conducted her investigation in conjunction with the Washington Police Department.

Washington Police Chief Jim Kuchenbecker and Umholtz could not be reached Jan. 9 for comment.

This story will be updated.