Rockford, Illinois – A man in Rockford, Illinois went on a violent killing spree, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a mailman and a 15-year-old girl. Christian Soto, 22, has been arrested and is facing multiple charges including four counts of first-degree murder, as well as attempted murder and home invasion charges.
The series of violent events began when Soto claimed that marijuana laced with an “unknown narcotic” triggered his violent behavior. According to reports, he began attacking his friend and the friend’s mother after becoming paranoid. Soto then proceeded to stab a mailman multiple times and run over him with his truck. The 49-year-old mail carrier had been serving for 25 years, as stated by officials.
Following the initial attacks, Soto broke into other homes, leaving seven individuals injured and a 15-year-old girl dead as she tried to protect her sister and friend. He was eventually apprehended after chasing down one of his victims and stabbing her in the street before being stopped by a bystander.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed that one of the victims was a USPS letter carrier and expressed its cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. While Mayor Tom McNamara assured the community that the suspect had been apprehended and there was no longer a threat, he emphasized the need to support those impacted by the violence.
In response to the tragic events, a vigil has been planned to honor the victims at the intersection of Charles Street and Eggleston Road in the city. The community is coming together to mourn the loss and seek healing in the wake of the deadly spree.