Christian N. Rex, 25, of Rock Island, Illinois, died of a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis, on September 29, 2021. The shooting occurred in the 1500 block of 8th Avenue in East Moline; police were called to the hospital that evening after a male with a gunshot wound arrived. The Rock Island County Coroner identified Rex and scheduled an autopsy for October 1, 2021.

Rex worked at Tyson Foods in Joslin and is survived by his girlfriend, Caela Williams, and their daughter, Raelynn, plus a daughter, Iyame, expected in November 2021. The East Moline Police Department and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation unit opened a homicide investigation and detectives pursued leads. In the weeks after the shooting a suspect identified as Ballard was arrested; his first court appearance was set for November 23, 2021.

A memorial fund was created to help with funeral expenses and to support Rex’s daughters. If anyone knew Christian, witnessed the incident on 8th Avenue, or has information relevant to the investigation, please come forward.