On Sunday, a United States Army Special Forces sergeant was charged with murder after opening fire at a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois, killing three people and injuring three others.
What We Know:
- Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea told reporters the shooting happened around 6:55 pm at Don Carter Lanes. The alleged shooter, Duke Webb, took the lives of 3 unidentified men- ages 65, 69, and 75. Webb joined the Army in 2008. He is a Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant. He is currently assigned to 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 7th Special Forces Group based in Florida. The Army confirmed Webb was on leave at the time of the shooting but did not provide reasoning for why.
- In addition to being charged with 3 counts of murder, Webb faces three counts of first-degree attempted murder. A 14-year-old boy who was shot in the face and airlifted to a hospital is in stable condition. However, a man, 62, is in critical condition after being shot multiple times. Fortunately, the third victim, a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the shoulder, was treated at the hospital and released.
- The shooting took place inside and outside a bar above the bowling alley. The two injured teens were picking up food orders when they were shot. Surveillance footage inside the building captured most of the incident. Police arrived within minutes after Webb opened fire. Upon their arrival, he attempted to hide his identity and his weapons, according to O’Shea. Still, two handguns were found at the scene. The police did not fire any shots at Webb when taking him into custody.
- Chief O’Shea believes the shooting “was a completely random act.” He says, “there is no prior meeting or any kind of relationship between the suspect and any of the victims in this case.” Webb’s commander John W. Sannes said in a statement, “We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded.” The Army has offered “full assistance” in the investigation.
- Webb is being held at the Winnebago County Jail without bond. According to the Rockford Register Star, his first court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
The shooting sadly tops off the deadliest reported year for the city of Rockford. The number of homicides in 2020 reached 35 after Saturday’s killings, breaking a previous record of 31 in 1996.
