Rockford Police File Third Charge in 2022 Gas Station Killing

A Rockford man already accused in two murders now faces a third first-degree murder charge tied to a gas station shooting in 2022.

Early Morning Shooting Leaves Rockford Victim Dead

In the early morning hours of August 2, 2022, officers from the Rockford Police Department responded to reports of gunfire along South Alpine Road at a Marathon gas station.

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According to the press release, when officers arrived, they discovered 20-year-old Zamayre Charles in the driver's seat of a vehicle suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds.

He was rushed to a local hospital but died from his injuries on August 8, 2022, marking another deadly shooting in a corridor that has long been scrutinized for violent crime.

Pattern of Violence Across Northern Illinois

Investigators quickly identified Deontez "Tookie" Williams as the primary suspect in the incident. At the time, Williams was already under investigation for a separate homicide in Loves Park earlier in 2022.

Authorities later tied Williams to a second Loves Park murder that occurred just days after the Rockford shooting, raising concerns about a pattern of escalating violence across neighboring communities in northern Illinois.

Arrest and Expanding Charges

Williams was apprehended on September 8, 2022, following a police pursuit in Toledo. He has remained in custody since, facing multiple murder charges filed by Loves Park authorities.

Following a renewed review of evidence, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office has now formally approved a first-degree murder charge in connection with Zamarye Charles' death.

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Williams, 35, is currently held in the Winnebago County Jail awaiting trial on all cases, and law enforcement officials emphasize that the investigation remains active with the possibility of additional charges and arrests.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is urged to contact Rockford Police at 815-966-2900 or submit anonymous tips through Rockford Area Crime Stoppers.

Authorities remind the public that all charges are allegations, and Williams is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.