Joey Julian Torres was 14 and a student at Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois. On the evening of June 30, 2023, he and his 17-year-old cousin Jorge Torres were reportedly picked up by a 17-year-old acquaintance to hang out. Family members say something happened inside the car around 8 p.m.; both cousins were later found shot and left in the 1400 block of Willard Avenue.

Jorge was pronounced dead at the scene. Joey was taken to a local hospital and died of his injuries on July 2, 2023. The family described the killings as the ultimate betrayal and expressed shock that the alleged shooter had been welcomed into their homes. Relatives started a GoFundMe to help with burial costs and a petition to raise awareness about gun violence. Police announced arrests in the case and charges were filed.

Did anyone in Rockford know Joey or Jorge, or see them the night of June 30, 2023? Contact local investigators with any information.