Two Charged in Fatal Rockford Stabbing Under Whitman Street Bridge

Two suspects are now in custody and charged with the fatal stabbing of a man under the Whitman Street bridge on Tuesday (10/7).

Early Morning Discovery Under the Bridge

According to a press release from the Rockford Police Department, two individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of 37-year-old Kyle Stephens.

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Early Tuesday morning (10/7), officers were called to the area under the Whitman Street Bridge for a noise complaint around 3:25 am, and when they arrived on the scene, they discovered Stephens, who had suffered apparent stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two Suspects Identified and Charged

Following an investigation by Rockford Police Violent Crimes Detectives, two suspects were identified in the deadly stabbing:

• Varianna Parsons, 20, Rockford: Charged with First-Degree Murder and Obstruction
• Shawn Bunton, Jr., 24, Rockford: Charged with First-Degree Murder and Obstruction

Parsons has been taken into custody and is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail, while Bunton remains at large, according to the press release.

Police Seek the Public's Help

Local authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident or Bunton's whereabouts to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900.

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You can also submit an anonymous tip through Rockford Area Crime Stoppers by calling 815-963-7867.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.