Rockford, IL – Early Tuesday morning, Rockford Police responded to a noise complaint under the Whitman Street Bridge, leading to the discovery of a fatal stabbing victim identified as 37-year-old Kyle Stephens. Officers arrived around 3:25 a.m., where Stephens was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Rockford Police Department, detectives with the Violent Crime Unit quickly launched an investigation and identified two suspects — Varianna Parsons, 20, and Shawn Bunton Jr., 24, both from Rockford. After consultation with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, both were charged with First-Degree Murder and Obstruction.
Parsons was taken into custody and booked at the Winnebago County Jail, while Bunton remains at large. Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations at this stage, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police are urging anyone with information about Bunton’s whereabouts or details related to the incident to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900, or to submit an anonymous tip via Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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