Crime & Safety
Winnebago County, IL Murder: 3 Charged After Deadly Shooting
ROCKFORD, IL – Five people, including a 17 year old juvenile, are facing criminal charges following a deadly shooting Tuesday night in Rockford that left a 20 year old man dead and nearby property dam
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-29T16:45:27.236Z
ROCKFORD, IL – Five people, including a 17 year old juvenile, are facing criminal charges following a deadly shooting Tuesday night in Rockford that left a 20 year old man dead and nearby property damaged by gunfire.
According to the Rockford Police Department , officers responded to reports of shots fired near Yonge and Evergreen streets around 11:13 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Shortly afterward, 20 year old Maleek Cofield arrived at a local hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries.
Police also confirmed that vehicles and a nearby residence were struck by gunfire during the incident.
Three Face First Degree Murder Charges Following an investigation involving multiple Rockford Police Department units, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized charges against five Rockford residents.
Three individuals face two counts each of first degree murder:
17 year old juvenile male: Two counts of first degree murder and unlawful possession of firearms. Damarion Evans Mackey, 22: Two counts of first degree murder. Aryanna Ozbirn, 21: Two counts of first degree murder. Two additional individuals face weapons related charges:
Willie McGee Jr., 20: Aggravated unlawful use of weapons. Armonti Bryant, 20: Three counts of aggravated unlawful use of weapons. Police confirmed Thursday, Oct. 29, that all five individuals were in custody.
Investigation Remains Ongoing Rockford Police Violent Crime Detectives worked alongside patrol officers, the Gang Unit, Narcotics, Financial/Property Crimes and Sensitive Crimes personnel during the investigation.
Authorities indicated that additional arrests and charges remain possible as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police have not publicly detailed what allegedly led to the gunfire.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Rockford police at 815 966 2900 or submit an anonymous tip through Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815 963 7867 .
All charges are allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.