Christopher A. Kearns, 37, of Rockford, Illinois, was found dead on January 25, 2015, slumped over the wheel of a vehicle in the 1700 block of 17th Street with a gunshot wound to the head. The discovery came during a period Rockford police described as a spike in gun violence tied to feuding gangs, but investigators said they found no evidence linking Kearns’ killing to gang activity.

The Rockford Police Department and a multi‑agency Violent Crime Task Force — including Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies, Loves Park officers and Illinois State Police — opened a homicide investigation. As of the latest public update, no arrests or suspects have been identified and the case remains under investigation.

If anyone was near 17th Street on January 25, 2015, or has information about Christopher Kearns’ death, please contact the Rockford Police Department.