A series of violent attacks in a southeast Rockford, Illinois, neighborhood on Wednesday left four people dead and 11 others injured, sending shockwaves through the community. The suspect, a 22-year-old man, has been taken into custody, but police have yet to identify a motive behind what Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd called "heinous crimes."
The victims, identified as a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man, died either at the scene or at a local hospital. Among the deceased was a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, confirmed by postal inspectors who are now working alongside local police in the investigation.
The attacks, which occurred shortly after 1 p.m., involved multiple stabbings across several locations, including Cleveland Ave., Winnetka Dr., Eggleston Rd., and Florence St. Both the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office are investigating the various crime scenes.
In one incident, a woman fled a home invasion in Winnebago County but was stabbed in the hands and face. She was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and has been intubated, according to Sheriff Gary Caruana. A man who intervened to help her also suffered stab wounds but is reportedly "fine" and being evaluated.
Vanessa Hy, a neighbor who witnessed part of the incident, described the scene as surreal, as reported by 13 WREX. "All of the sudden, we heard police run up on both sides of the house screaming 'Stop! Get down!'," she told 13 Investigates' William Ingalls. "Then they ran into the backyard and after a few minutes we saw them bringing the suspect down the driveway in handcuffs and he was very bloody."
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed his shock at the "horrific act of violence against innocent members of our community" and assured residents that the suspect is in custody and the threat has been neutralized. "Now that he is in custody, our primary concern is ensuring that our community members directly impacted by this violence are supported throughout their healing and recovery," McNamara stated.
Local officials, including Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli, State Rep. Dave Vella, and U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, have all expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families. They have also commended the swift actions of the Rockford Police Department and Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in apprehending the suspect and preventing further harm.
OSF St. Anthony Medical Center has received four patients from the scene, but their conditions were not immediately available. The city has announced that emotional support and counseling services will be available at Flinn Middle School on Thursday and Friday for those affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking residents to check their security cameras or doorbell cameras for any footage that might assist in piecing together the events that led to this devastating act of violence. The community remains shaken, but united in their support for one another during this difficult time.
"Today, we are shocked by another horrific act of violence against innocent members of our community," Mayor McNamara said. "We will continue to provide updates as we work to understand what transpired and prevent such senseless violence from happening again."
