(DailyAnswer.org) – A 22-year-old man has been charged in Illinois with four counts of first-degree murder after a stabbing spree killed four people. A 15-year-old girl was among the victims, and seven others were injured in the attack shortly after 1 P.M. on March 27. In addition to the murder charges, Christian Soto was also charged with seven counts of attempted murder and home invasion after the attacks that occurred at multiple locations in Rockford, Illinois.
The victims were identified as Ramona Schupbach, 63, Jay Larson, 49, Jacob Schupbach, 22, and Jenna Newcomb, 15. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd said that Soto and Jacob grew up together and that they were smoking marijuana at Schupbach’s house before the incident. Soto told investigators that the drugs were laced with an unidentified narcotic that caused him to become paranoid and pick up a knife from the kitchen before stabbing Jacob and Ramona to death.
Afterward, he broke into a residence and assaulted three girls with a softball bat found inside the kitchen. Two of them were injured, and the third, Jenna Newcomb, was beaten to death. Redd stated that Soto was arrested in less than 20 minutes after the 911 call.
Police responded first to the Schupbach residence on Holmes street, where they found the bodies of Jacob and Ramona. According to County State’s Attorney J. Hanley, witnesses saw Soto chasing Jacob down the street and stabbing him as he lay on the ground before running over him with a pickup truck. Jacob then entered the residence before being followed inside by Soto, who left soon after and drove away. Police officers then found Larson alive in a front yard on nearby Winnetka Drive, but having been stabbed several times, he died soon after in hospital.
Rockford’s Mayor Tom McNamara relayed the message of Jenna’s mother that she wanted the community to know her daughter died, protecting her sister and friend from worse harm. Rockford resident Ruth Gallagher described Larson as the “kindest person” who would “help anybody.” Four of the injured victims were released from hospital, and the fifth remains in serious condition. One of the survivors was reportedly stabbed in the face when fleeing the attacker. Soto has appeared briefly in court and remains held without bond. A judge will decide whether he stays in jail pending trial.
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