Four Charged with First Degree Murder in 2024 Rockford Homicide

Following months of investigation, arrests have been made in connection with a homicide from August 2024 on E. State Street.

Victim Was Found Shot After Late-Night Gathering

On August 24 of last year, Rockford PD officers responded to a reported shooting in the 6600 block of E. State Street, and when they arrived on the scene around 11:15 pm, 27-year-old Chase Higgins was found in a parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.

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Higgins was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the Rockford PD press release.

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Witnesses to the incident told Rockford Police officers on the scene that a physical altercation had just happened before the gunfire started.

Multiple Suspects Identified and Charged

Following months of investigation, Rockford PD Gang Unit Detectives identified four individuals that were connected to the fatal shooting.

After reviewing the facts of the case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office approved charges of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery against all four suspects:

• Enrique Dozal, 21, Rockford
• Aarionte Mahone, 27, Rockford
• Jason Bryant, 29, Rockford
• Juvenile Male, 15, Rockford

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Three of the four suspects were in custody when this story was published. According to the press release, the 15-year-old male is not in custody.

Investigation Ongoing: Public Asked to Assist

Law enforcement is asking anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the juvenile suspect to contact Rockford Police at 815-966-2900.

Rockford PD emphasizes that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.