Donovan Walker Ruland was 12 when he was killed in Rockford, Illinois on May 24, 2017. Born December 10, 2004, he was the son of Nicole Foster and Jason Ruland. Donovan was found with a gunshot wound near 4th Street and 16th Avenue and was taken to Mercy Health Systems, where he died.

The investigation determined the shooter was 16-year-old Anthony Jenkins, who tried to steal Donovan’s ATV during the confrontation. Jenkins was tried as an adult and in November 2019, at age 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. In August 2020, Jenkins, then 19, was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

The case drew attention because of the ages involved and prompted community discussion about youth violence and protecting children. If anyone knew Donovan or has information about the events leading up to that day, please share what you remember.