Three Rockford Men Charged with Murder After Fatal Assault

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has made arrests in connection with a violent murder that happened late on July 1, 2025, on the city's west side.

Disturbance Call Leads to Shocking Discovery

According to the press release from the Sheriff, deputies were dispatched around 10 pm on Tuesday (7/1) to the 500 block of Vincent Avenue in the Westmoreland neighborhood for a report of a disturbance.

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Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man unresponsive on the front steps of a residence, suffering from significant head trauma, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation Reveals Coordinated Attack

Detectives from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office quickly launched an intensive investigation, and the Coroner identified the deceased victim as 43-year-old Ruben J. Hernandez of Rockford, Illinois.

According to the report, there is evidence that suggests an altercation took place earlier in the evening. Later in the evening, multiple individuals returned to the home on Vincent Avenue and violently attacked Hernandez, causing his death.

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The Winnebago County Coroner's Office completed an autopsy on July 2, with further testing still pending.

Murder Charges Filed Against Three Rockford Men

Following a thorough review of the case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized First Degree Murder charges against these 3 men from Rockford:

• Melvin D. Richardson, 35
• Andre L. Richardson, 35
• Kevin M. Harris, 32

All three men are currently in custody, and the charges against them are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sheriff Praises Investigators

Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana credited the swift action of his team for these arrests, calling the investigation a "reflection of outstanding work" by the Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 815-282-2600 or Rockford Area Crime Stoppers