Suspect taken into custody after northern Illinois stabbing rampage leaves 4 dead and 7 injured

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: A suspect has been taken into custody for the stabbing rampage that left four dead in the city of Rockford, Illinois, on Wednesday, March 27, as per authorities. 

A 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man were identified as the deceased victims, but their names weren't released to the public.

Michelle Marcomb, a spokesperson for the Rockford police, noted that five others were found with "serious injuries," according to CNN. Furthermore, two individuals from the jurisdiction of Winnebago County were injured in the same incident. 

A 22-year-old man was taken into custody for the Rockford, Illinois stabbing rampage 

During a press conference on Wednesday, Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd stated, "We have multiple scenes at this point, and we are still working on notifying families."

According to her, at 1.14 pm, her department's dispatch center received a call for medical assistance. Subsequently, calls for police response were also received for a number of addresses near Holmes Street, Winnetka Drive, and Cleveland Avenue.

By 1.35 pm, authorities managed to take the suspect, a 22-year-old man, into custody.

Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana noted that county officials received a report of a home invasion at an address on "Florence and Eggleston" after 1 pm, claiming that a young woman escaped the suspect.

He said, "She young lady ran from him. She got some stab wounds in her hands and in her face. She is currently at a hospital, and she is intubated. She is in serious condition." 

Police don't believe any other suspects are out there

According to Winnebago County Sheriff Caruana, the woman was stabbed while a Good Samaritan stopped to assist her. He noted, "He’s fine. He is being checked out." 

Meanwhile, Rockford Police Chief Redd told reporters, "We don't have a clear motive in regard to what caused this individual to commit such heinous crimes," and added that police don't believe any more suspects are out there.

All victims weren't shot or stabbed, according to the police. However, authorities have yet to reveal how the victims were killed or injured. The sheriff did say that one of the deceased victims was a postal worker. 

A Wednesday evening news release mentioned, "This is a very active and multi-level, multi-agency investigation and has an extensive amount of moving parts. As with any investigation, further details and charges may come at a later date."

Police asked the public to check their doorbells and cameras for any footage of the incidents, and to report any information to them directly or anonymously through the Rockford Area Crime Stoppers.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed he was "totally shaken by this act of violence and the impact that it’s having now on multiple families' lives."

He noted that counselors will be available to assist affected individuals and families at Flinn Middle School on Thursday and Friday.

In a Facebook post, Mayor McNamara expressed, "It’s hard to grasp how this could happen and how emotional and raw the community is tonight. This has been one of the most difficult weeks I have seen in my seven years as Mayor." 

He added, "As a dad, a son, a husband, the Mayor and a Rockford supporter, my heart is breaking for those who have lost their lives, their families and our community."