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Rockford teenager charged with fatally shooting Jehovah's Witness

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  February 22, 2023 3:00pm CST
Illinois
FOX 32 Chicago

ROCKFORD, Ill. - A 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged for allegedly shooting and killing a Jehovah's Witness as his family was knocking on doors in Rockford earlier this month.

On Feb. 11, police say a 54-year-old man was sitting in his vehicle in the 1300 block of 7th Avenue — waiting on his family members who were knocking at a resident's door — when a white vehicle drove by and an occupant inside opened fire.

The man was struck by the gunfire and died from his injuries, police said.

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During the investigation, Rockford police detectives identified a 15-year-old boy as the suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and he was taken into custody on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

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The teenager was charged with first-degree murder. He's being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

The teenager is not being identified because he's a juvenile.

Anyone with more information on this crime is urged to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900.