Four people were shot to death in a Rockford, Illinois home on December 20, 2014: 4-year-old Tobias K. Smith, his 6-year-old brother Tyrone Smith III, their mother Martia Flint, 24, and 24-year-old Demontae Rhodes. Investigators say the killings followed a break-in that night and were carried out by Calvin L. Carter III, who had a turbulent relationship with Flint.

Prosecutors presented text messages and other evidence they said showed Carter was abusive and became enraged after Flint ended the relationship; the messages included Flint pleading for him to leave her alone. Carter was charged with numerous counts including first-degree murder and home invasion; a Winnebago County jury found him guilty on all counts. Sentencing imposed multiple life terms plus additional years.

This remains a stark case of lethal domestic violence that destroyed two young children and their mother.