On January 18, 2025, at about 2:45 p.m. Rockford police and hospital staff treated a gunshot victim who was later identified as 22-year-old Darian Bunnell. The shooting was later located to the 4800 block of Javelin Drive in Rockford, Illinois. Despite lifesaving efforts, Bunnell died that evening.

The Rockford Police Violent Crime Unit investigated and identified 20-year-old Sincer Burns as the primary suspect. After prosecutors reviewed the evidence, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized charges; Burns was taken into custody on February 20, 2025, and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He was booked into the Winnebago County Jail pending a pretrial detention hearing.

Authorities have not released details about what led to the shooting or any possible motive, and the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about Darian Bunnell’s death, please contact the Rockford Police Department or Rockford Area Crime Stoppers.