ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) – Following a tragic attack in Rockford that claimed the lives of four individuals, including a teenager and the suspect’s childhood friend, the county prosecutor announced charges against the alleged assailant on Thursday. The victims were identified as 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, 23-year-old Jacob Schupbach, 49-year-old Jay Larson, and 63-year-old Romona Schupbach. The violent incident, which began around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, also left seven others injured, some of whom were stabbed, while three teenage girls were assaulted with a baseball bat during a spring break movie night.
Christian Ivan Soto, 22, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, and three counts of home invasion in connection with the attack. The Winnebago County State’s Attorney, J. Hanley, mentioned the possibility of additional charges pending a grand jury review. Soto allegedly confessed to the killings, attributing his actions to paranoia induced by consuming marijuana laced with an unknown substance.
According to authorities, the violent spree unfolded over a 20-minute period, starting with Soto fatally stabbing Jacob and Romona Schupbach, followed by running over mail carrier Jay Larson with his pickup truck. The rampage continued as Soto broke into multiple homes and attacked three teenage girls with a bat, resulting in the death of Jenna Newcomb. Soto was apprehended while in the act of stabbing his last two victims, who sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed shock and sorrow over the senseless violence, praising Jenna Newcomb for heroically protecting her sister and friend during the attack. Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes as calls for help poured in from different locations in Rockford and Winnebago County. Police arrested Soto as he attacked a young woman attempting to flee, causing serious injuries to her face and hands, as well as injuring a Good Samaritan who intervened.
Residents of Rockford, including long-time customers of the deceased mail carrier Jay Larson, were devastated by the loss of lives in the community. Vigils were organized to mourn the victims, with Mayor McNamara emphasizing the importance of unity and support in the face of tragedy. President Joe Biden also issued a statement offering condolences to the families affected by the Rockford attack and pledging federal assistance in the investigation and recovery process.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, counseling services have been made available, reflecting a collective effort to heal and support those impacted. The suspect, Christian Ivan Soto, is scheduled for a court appearance next week, facing potential sentences of up to 60 years in prison for each murder charge if convicted.
The heartbreak and shock reverberate through Rockford as the community seeks to come to terms with the devastating loss of lives in this tragic event.