Illinois parking lot fight turns deadly; teen, three others now facing murder charges

ROCKFORD, Ill. - A late-night fight that broke out during a gathering in a Rockford parking lot last summer has led to murder charges against four people, police said.

What we know:

Rockford Police say they were called to the 6600 block of East State Street around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. 

Officers found 27-year-old Chase Higgins with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Higgins had been involved in a fight before gunfire was exchanged.

After a months-long investigation, police identified four suspects. 

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office later approved first-degree murder and aggravated battery charges for each of them:

• Enrique Dozal, 21, of Rockford 
• Aarionte Mahone, 27, of Rockford 
• Jason Bryant, 29, of Rockford 
• Unnamed juvenile male, 15, of Rockford 

All four suspects are now in custody as of Wednesday.

What we don't know:

Police haven’t shared details about what led to the fight, who fired the shots or how the people involved knew each other. 

What's next:

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900.