Rockford, IL – A man already in custody for two separate homicide cases is now facing a third murder charge tied to a 2022 gas station shooting on Rockford’s south side.
The charge stems from an August 2022 incident at a Marathon gas station along South Alpine Road, where officers responded around 4:56 a.m. to reports of gunfire. When police arrived, they found 20-year-old Zamaraye Charles inside a vehicle with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a hospital and later died from those injuries days later.
According to the Rockford Police Department, investigators identified the suspect as 35-year-old Deontez “Tookie” Williams. At the time of the shooting, Williams had already been linked to a separate homicide in Loves Park earlier in 2022 and was later connected to another killing just days after the Rockford incident.
Authorities say Williams was arrested in September 2022 in Toledo, Ohio, after fleeing the area. Since then, he has remained in custody at the Winnebago County Jail while awaiting trial on the other two murder cases.
Following a recent review of evidence, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a new first-degree murder charge in connection with the Marathon gas station shooting. Officials confirmed Williams was formally served with the additional charge Thursday.
Investigators note the case remains active, and additional charges or arrests are still possible as evidence continues to be evaluated.
Anyone with information related to this case or other incidents is urged to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900 or submit anonymous tips through Rockford Area Crime Stoppers.
