Rockford Police Charge Two Men in 2021 Murder of Drake Stewart
Two suspects have been charged in a fatal Rockford shooting from 2021, as investigators continue searching for one of the accused.
Deadly Shooting at Busy Rockford Intersection
According to a press release from the Rockford Police Department, local authorities announced the charges in a 2021 homicide that left a local man dead after a shooting at a busy city intersection.
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On May 23, 2021, at approximately 5:12 pm, RPD officers responded to the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Seminary Street for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they discovered an unconscious man in the driver's seat of a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victim was identified as 39-year-old Drake Stewart, who was transported to a local hospital, where he later was pronounced dead.
Violent Crime Unit Identifies Two Suspects
Following a lengthy investigation, detectives with the Rockford Police Department's Violent Crime Unit identified two suspects who are believed to be connected to the fatal shooting.
According to RPD investigators, 29-year-old Isaiah Rucker of Freeport, and 26-year-old Xzavior Smith of Roscoe have each been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with Stewart's death.
Authorities confirmed that Smith is currently in custody outside the state of Illinois, while the whereabouts of Rucker remain unknown as of the latest update from Rockford Police.
Investigation Remains Active
Police say the case remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges or arrests could still occur as detectives continue to gather evidence.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact RPD at 815-966-2900, or to remain anonymous, call Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.