Rockford Man Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting

An investigation by local law enforcement into a January shooting has led to murder charges for one Rockford man.

According to the Rockford Police Department press release, officers responded to a local hospital on January 18, 2025, for reports of a gunshot victim, who was later identified as 22-year-old Darian Bunnell.

Bunnel sustained life-threatening injuries during an incident in the 4800 block of Javelin, according to the RPD report. He was transported to the hospital for his injuries but died shortly after arriving.

Investigation Leads to Arrest of Rockford Man

After an investigation by the RPD Violent Crimes Unit, 20-year-old Sincer Burns of Rockford was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting on January 18.

According to the press release, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and authorized two counts of first-degree murder against Burns.

Burns Taken Into Custody

Law enforcement located Sincer Burns and arrested him on Thursday (February 20), and he's currently lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may still be coming, according to the RPD press release.

Call If You Have Information

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900 or submit tips anonymously through Rockford Area Crime Stoppers by calling 815-963-7867.

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According to the press release, these charges are merely accusations, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.