Rockford, Illinois – A series of stabbings and attacks in and near Rockford, Illinois, left four people dead, including a 15-year-old girl who died while saving her sister. The violent spree, carried out by the suspect identified as Christian Soto, 22, also resulted in seven others being injured, according to officials.
Rockford Mayor described the incidents as a “random and senseless act of violence,” with police charging Soto with murder, attempted murder, and home invasion. The attacks took place at multiple locations in Rockford and Winnebago County, causing shock and disbelief among authorities.
Christian Soto allegedly confessed to the attacks, attributing his actions to the consumption of marijuana he believed was laced with an unknown narcotic. The violence unfolded when police received reports of a person being run over and possibly stabbed outside a home, leading to the discovery of two bodies identified as Jacob Schupbach, 23, and Ramona Schupbach, 63.
Eye witnesses recounted a harrowing scene where Soto chased and attacked Jacob Schupbach, eventually running him over with a vehicle. The rampage continued as Soto fatally stabbed mail carrier Jay Larson before attacking three girls with a softball bat in a separate location.
Authorities confirmed that Soto also broke into a woman’s home in Winnebago County, where he attacked her with a knife. Amid the chaos, a passing man intervened, leading to Soto’s apprehension by the arriving police officers. In the aftermath, three victims remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The suspect’s court appearance revealed that he faces severe charges, with the possibility of up to 60 years in prison for each count of murder and attempted murder, and 30 years for each count of home invasion. Soto’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the violent outburst, emphasizing his non-aggressive nature prior to the incidents.
Local officials and law enforcement agencies are cooperating in the investigation, with emotional support and counseling services being provided to the affected community. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker offered support to Rockford’s mayor, emphasizing the importance of standing by the victims’ families during this tragic event.
As the city of Rockford, with a population of approximately 150,000, grapples with the aftermath of these brutal attacks, the community and authorities strive to come together in support and healing.