Police said a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man and a 22-year-old man had died, but did not identify the individuals. Five other people are being treated in the hospital for “serious injuries,” they added.
“This is a very active and multi-level, multi-agency investigation and has an extensive amount of moving parts,” the statement said. “As with any investigation, further details and charges may come at a later date.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed Thursday in a statement that a letter carrier had been killed in the attack. “At this time, there are no additional details we can provide, as this is an active investigation. Postal inspectors are working with the Rockford Police Department in this investigation,” the agency said in a statement.
Police encouraged local residents to review their security footage and to contact them with any information.
Local faith leaders and government officials said late Wednesday that a vigil would take place Thursday at 2:30 p.m. local time to “support the loved ones, families and neighbors,” following the “violent attacks.”
“It’s hard to grasp how this could happen and how emotional and raw the community is,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement. “This has been one of the most difficult weeks I have seen in my seven years as Mayor. 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.”
McNamara described the situation as a “huge blow” to the community of about 147,000, some 80 miles northwest of Chicago and 15 miles south of the Wisconsin border. “The emotions so many are feeling of sadness, anger, frustration and loss are real,” he said, adding that the city had partnered with public schools and a nonprofit to offer free counseling services this week. “Let’s lift each other up and be strong together.”
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd told reporters Wednesday the acts committed were “heinous crimes,” adding that “right now we don’t have a clear motive.” Of the five people injured, she said, one was in critical condition.
Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana told reporters at the same news conference, “Basically there was a home invasion.” He said a “young lady ran from him, she got some stab wounds in her hands and her face.” A good Samaritan tried to help her and also was stabbed, but the sheriff said that person “is fine.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) tweeted that he had been “monitoring the situation in Rockford” and was “grateful for the first responders who were on the scene. As we await more information, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said she was “horrified to learn of this senseless attack … My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those we lost, the survivors and the entire Rockford community.”
