Rockford, Illinois – A tragic event unfolded in Rockford, Illinois, as a man faced charges in connection with an attack that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a teenager and a childhood friend, according to the Winnebago County prosecutor on Thursday.
The victims of the rampage were identified as 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, 23-year-old Jacob Schupbach, 49-year-old Jay Larson, and 63-year-old Romona Schupbach. In addition to the fatalities, seven others suffered injuries during the incident that commenced around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Several victims were stabbed, while three teenage girls were brutally beaten with a baseball bat while on spring break.
22-year-old Christian Ivan Soto was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, and three counts of home invasion, as confirmed by officials on Thursday. Soto allegedly confessed to the killings during an interview with detectives, attributing his actions to consuming marijuana laced with an unknown substance that triggered the violent outburst.
According to Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley, Soto embarked on a 20-minute violent spree, starting with the fatal stabbing of Jacob, followed by Romona. He then proceeded to fatally stab and run over mail carrier Larson with his pickup truck. Subsequently, Soto broke into multiple residences, assaulting three teenage girls with a bat, resulting in the death of Jenna. He was apprehended while attacking his last two victims, who sustained severe injuries and were hospitalized.
The Rockford community was left reeling from the senseless violence, with residents expressing shock and disbelief at the tragic events. Witnesses described harrowing encounters with the assailant, recounting acts of bravery and attempts to intervene during the chaotic rampage.
In response to the devastating attack, a vigil was held near the site of the incident, where mourners gathered to honor the memory of the four lives lost. Local leaders, including Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy on the community and law enforcement officers involved.
President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing condolences for the victims and their families, condemning the violence and offering federal assistance in the investigation. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, support services have been made available to assist those affected by the traumatic events.