Rockford, Illinois – A deadly killing spree unfolded in Rockford, Illinois, leaving four people dead, including a mailman and a 15-year-old girl. Christian Soto, 22, is facing multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, following the violent events.
The violence erupted on Wednesday afternoon, with Soto claiming that marijuana laced with an unknown substance triggered the deadly rampage. According to reports, Soto became paranoid after smoking the laced weed with a friend, leading him to attack his friend and his friend’s mother with a knife. He then proceeded to fatally stab the mailman, who had served the community for 25 years, in addition to breaking into other homes and causing further injuries.
After fleeing the scene, Soto was apprehended following a final attack where he stabbed a victim in the street before being stopped by a bystander. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed the involvement of a postal worker in the incident and is collaborating with law enforcement on the investigation.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed shock at the violent acts and assured the public that the suspect is in custody. The mayor emphasized the importance of providing support to those impacted by the violence and ensuring comprehensive investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the deadly spree and provide updates as the investigation progresses. A vigil is scheduled to honor the victims at a designated location in the city, bringing the community together to mourn the lives lost and support one another in the wake of the tragedy.