A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing rampage in Rockford, Illinois, on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a U.S. postal worker and a teenage girl, and injuring seven others, according to the police.
During a news conference, Winnebago County State's Attorney J.
Hanley revealed that the suspect, Christian Soto, waived his Miranda rights and confessed to being under the influence of marijuana he claimed was laced with a potent narcotic.
Hanley added that Soto was conscious throughout the ordeal and provided detailed accounts of each attack to investigators.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, with Hanley stating, "I don't have a real answer for that." Soto faces multiple charges, including four counts of murder, seven counts of attempted murder, and two counts of home invasion with a dangerous weapon.
He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, holding back tears, identified the victims as 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, 49-year-old Jay Larson, and 63-year-old Romona Schubach and her 23-year-old son, Jacob Schubach.
Newcomb was reportedly beaten to death with an aluminum softball bat while trying to protect her sister and friend from the attacker.
Among the survivors, one remained in critical condition as of Thursday, with four others in serious condition. Larson, the slain mail carrier, was described by Ruth Mendonca, the inspector in charge of the U.S.
Postal Inspection Service in Chicago, as a dedicated worker who served his community for 25 years.
President Joe Biden expressed horror at the attack, offering condolences to the families of the victims and praising the heroic actions of law enforcement.
The attacks, which began around 1:14 p.m. local time, spanned multiple locations in southeast Rockford.
Hanley detailed the sequence of events, stating that the attacks commenced at the Schubach residence, where Soto allegedly smoked marijuana laced with an unknown narcotic. After becoming paranoid, Soto fatally stabbed Jacob and Romona Schubach.
He then attacked Larson, the mail carrier, in a nearby yard.
Soto allegedly proceeded to a neighboring home, where he stabbed a woman and her two children before attacking Jenna Newcomb with a softball bat.
The violence continued as Soto broke into another residence, stabbing the homeowner before attempting to steal a vehicle and attacking a good Samaritan who intervened.
Soto was apprehended by a Winnebago County sheriff's deputy after a brief struggle. The deputy sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
Authorities believe Soto acted alone, and there are no other suspects at large. Federal agents, including U.S. Postal Service investigators, are assisting in the investigation.