Four people are dead and five others wounded after a series of vicious knife attacks in Rockford and Winnebago County midday Wednesday.
Exact details of the locations and crimes committed remain sketchy at this point, but a 22-year-old Rockford man is in custody as what police describe as the only subject in the attacks.
The attacks took place in the southeast area of Rockford that straddles Winnebago county jurisdiction, and as such necessitated the involvement of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.
Today, in an emotional press conference, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara identified the dead as 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, 49-year-old USPS carrier Jay Larson, 63-year-old Ramona Schupbach, and her son, 23-year-old Jacob Schupbach.
“Jenna’s mom wants the community to know that Jenna died saving her sister and her friend and protecting them from further harm.”
McNamara described the atrocity as a “random and senseless act of violence.” The incident has received national attention, and McNamara said that he has received messages of condolence from both Governor JB Pritzker and the White House.
Not all of the victims were stabbed, according to authorities, and the cause of death for all victims has yet to be determined.
Jenna’s mom wants the community to know that Jenna died saving her sister and her friend and protecting them from further harm.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd announced Thursday the four of the wounded individuals had been treated and released from local hospitals. One remained in hospital in stable condition.
Redd said the suspect committed “heinous acts.”
This is an ongoing story.
