ROCKFORD, Ill. — A man is facing charges in connection with a deadly attack that shook the community of Rockford, Illinois, leaving four people dead, including a teenager, and injuring seven others. Authorities disclosed that some of the victims were stabbed during the incident.
Christian Soto, 22, has been charged with multiple counts of murder/intent to kill and home invasion in relation to the tragic events that unfolded on Wednesday afternoon. He is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The harrowing attack took place within a 20-minute timeframe, beginning with a home invasion near the intersection of Florence Street and Eggleston Road, as confirmed by Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana. Subsequently, a young woman attempting to escape sustained serious injuries from being stabbed in the face and hands, along with a Good Samaritan who intervened and also ended up being stabbed.
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd revealed that a sequence of 911 calls for assistance came in rapidly as the attacker proceeded to strike in the vicinity of Holmes Street, Winnetka Drive, and Cleveland Avenue. Emergency responders swiftly managed multiple scenes across Rockford and parts of Winnebago County.
In the aftermath, four individuals lost their lives, one person was left critically injured, and four others were transported to hospitals for treatment. Although not all victims suffered stab wounds, there were no reports of gunshot victims, as confirmed by Redd.
Among those killed were a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man, prompting Rockford residents like Ruth Gallagher to express shock and sorrow over the senseless violence that occurred. As a community mourned the loss of the victims, including a beloved mail carrier, the police indicated that the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Mayor Tom McNamara issued a statement denouncing the violence and assuring residents that efforts to support those affected are underway. Additionally, counseling services will be provided at Flinn Middle School to aid in the healing and recovery process for impacted individuals.