Rockford, Illinois – A series of stabbings and attacks left four people dead and seven others injured, including a heroic 15-year-old girl who sacrificed herself to save her sister during the violent spree. The suspect, identified as Christian Soto, 22, is now facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and home invasion following the tragic events that unfolded in Rockford and Winnebago County on Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities described the acts of violence as random and senseless, with Police Chief Carla Redd expressing disbelief and horror at the heinous crimes committed by Soto. Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley revealed that Soto claimed to have ingested marijuana laced with an unknown narcotic prior to the rampage, leading to a state of paranoia and violence.
The chaos began with reports of a person being run over by a vehicle and stabbed outside a home, where Jacob Schupbach, 23, and Ramona Schupbach, 63, were found stabbed to death by witnesses. The suspect, Soto, allegedly chased Jacob with a weapon before running him over with a vehicle. A mailman, identified as Jay Larson, was also fatally stabbed by Soto while delivering mail in the neighborhood.
Further accounts of the rampage revealed that Soto also attacked three girls with a softball bat, resulting in the tragic death of 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb. Additional victims were injured in separate incidents, including a woman who was attacked in Winnebago County before being rescued by a passing driver who intervened.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent attacks, authorities are providing support services, and Governor J.B. Pritzker has offered assistance to Rockford. The suspect, Soto, faced a court appearance where he was denied pretrial release and is now facing severe charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences.
With federal law enforcement aiding in the investigation, Rockford is left reeling from the tragic events that have shaken the city and its residents. The impact of the violence continues to be felt, with compassion and support being extended to the victims’ families as they navigate the difficult days ahead.