Jasen M. Bell, 42, of Rock Falls, Illinois, was found dead after officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 10:24 p.m. on September 17, 2024. His body was located on the ground in the area of West 17th Street between 13th and 14th avenues; he was identified following an autopsy and the death is being treated as a homicide.

No shooter had been identified and no one was in custody at the Whiteside County Jail as of the initial investigation. Multiple agencies are assisting the Rock Falls Police Department, including Sterling Police, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, ISP Crime Scene Services, and the Whiteside County coroner.

Bell, born June 12, 1982, in Sterling, Illinois, was remembered as having died on September 18, 2024, in his obituary. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Rock Falls Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Whiteside County Crimestoppers.