The four victims in Wednesday's tragic stabbing incident that shook the northern Illinois city of Rockford have been identified. During a news conference on Thursday, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, visibly shaken and struggling to hold back tears, identified the victims as 63-year-old Romona Schupbach; 23-year-old Jacob Schupbach; 49-year-old Jay Larson; and 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb. Three individuals remain hospitalised, while the other four have been treated and released. Suspect Christian Soto, 22, reportedly told
police he became paranoid while he was smoking marijuana with his friend, Jacob Schupbach, and went on a killing spree starting with his very friend and his mother. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd stated that Soto acted alone, and authorities are still trying to determine his motive for the attacks. She said Soto and Jacob Schupbach had grown up together. READ MORE: Locals left 'reeling' as they recall bloody scenes of deadly knife rampage in 'quiet neighbourhood' Police still have no information on the motive of the tragic killing ( Image:
NBC News) Soto told police that the two were smoking marijuana at Schupbach's home before the attack, Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said, adding: "Soto said that he believes that drugs provided to him by Jacob were laced with an unknown narcotic." He went on: "Soto said he became paranoid after the drug usage. He said he retrieved a knife from the kitchen ... and proceeded to stab" his friend and his friend’s mother to death. A large police cordon is in place as detectives investigate the stabbings ( Image: WIFR) The attacks unfolded rapidly in a neighbourhood of ranch-style homes soon after 1pm on Wednesday. Less than 20 minutes passed between the initial 911 call and Soto's arrest, authorities said. The timeline revealed a horrifying sequence of events, starting with the discovery of Jacob Schupbach and his mother, Romona, at their home on Holmes Street. Witnesses reported seeing Jacob Schupbach being chased and attacked before the assailant fled the scene. Christian Soto, 22, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder following the attacks ( Image: WIFR) The violence continued as Jay Larson, a longtime mail carrier in the area, was found stabbed multiple times in a front yard on Winnetka Drive. Larson tragically succumbed to his injuries soon after, authorities said. Another attack was reported on nearby Cleveland Avenue, where a mother and her adult children were assaulted by a knife-wielding intruder. The chaos continued as Soto barged into a neighbouring home on Florence Street, fatally beating 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb and injuring her sister and friend. "Jenna's mom wants the community to know that Jenna died saving her sister and her friend and protecting them from further harm," Mayor McNamara said at the news conference. Soto has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder following the frenzied stabbing and beating rampage, authorities announced Thursday. Soto also faces seven counts of attempted murder and home invasion with a dangerous weapon, after the attacks on Wednesday left four people dead and seven injured. Soto appeared in court briefly on Thursday afternoon and is being held without bond. The next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, where a judge will decide whether he will remain in jail pending trial. The suspect has been arrested and faces 13 charges ( Image: WIFR) For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the
USA, go to The Mirror US The brutality of the attacks shocked the community, with Mayor McNamara expressing profound grief and anger. "Right now, the focus is on these individuals who have lost their lives this week," he stated. "Their families need to get the healing they deserve." Rockford, with a population of approximately 150,000, has faced economic challenges since the 1980s but has shown resilience in recent years. However, like many cities, it has grappled with rising violent crime rates, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year saw a decrease in overall violent crime, but the number of murders increased, including the recent stabbing deaths and a killing at a local Walmart just days prior. People from various faiths gathered for a vigil to mourn the slain and injured. Rev. Caleb Hong of Christ United Methodist Church said: "I came today because I didn’t want to grieve alone. And I was hurting, and my guess is many of you are hurting or you’re scared, or you’re wondering why does this happen? We’re all feeling the same way. We’re all hurting." Follow the Mirror US News page on
Facebook All the latest news, showbiz, lifestyle and sports updates, brought to you by our dedicated
American team. Follow the Mirror US News page on Facebook to make sure you're not missing out.