Manhunt Underway for Rockford Murder Suspect After Fatal Shooting

Rockford Police are searching for a murder suspect following a fatal shooting that left one man dead and another injured last week.

Police Respond to Scene of Deadly Shooting

According to a Rockford Police press release, officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex in the 900 block of 4th Avenue at approximately 9:40 pm on Thursday, February 6.

When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

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Victims Identified, One Succumbs to Injuries

One victim was identified as 19-year-old Dejuante Poe of Rockford who had sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound, according to the press release. A 20-year-old man was also injured in the incident but expected to survive.

Both of the men were transported to a local hospital, where Poe later died from his injuries, according to the Rockford Police Department press release.

Police Identify Suspect, Issue Warrant for Arrest

Detectives from RPD's Violent Crime Unit launched an investigation into the shooting and discovered there had been a party taking place at the apartment on 4th Avenue when a fight escalated into gunfire.

After their investigation, Rockford Police detectives identified 35-year-old Stephen Boddie of Rockford as the murder suspect.

Charges Filed Against Boddie

After reviewing the cast, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized the following charges against Stephen Boddie:

First-Degree Murder
Aggravated Battery

Rockford Police Department

When this story was published, Boddie was not in police custody, and law enforcement was actively searching for him.

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Authorities Urge Public for Assistance

Rockford Police are asking for the public's help in locating Stephen Boddie. If you have information about his whereabouts, contact RPD at 815-966-2900, or you can remain anonymous by texting RPDTIP to 847411.

Rockford Area Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips at 815-963-7867.

This story continues to develop and will be updated as more information becomes available.