Sheriff’s Department investigates murder of man, 61, also the victim of two other recent crimes

Online Staff Report

At approximately 12:45 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the area of 7800 Clikeman Road in reference to a vehicle on the side of the road. Upon arrival, the deputies found a blue, two-door 1999 Ford Escort on the west side of the road.

In checking the vehicle, the deputies found there was a white male in the front passenger seat who was deceased. It was determined he had an apparent gunshot wound.

The vehicle was towed from the scene, with the assistance of the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, to the Winnebago County Justice Center.

The victim was removed from the vehicle and identified as Michael R. Scully, 61, of Baldwin Drive in Machesney Park, Ill.

Scully has been the victim of two prior crimes, both taking place at his residence.

Nov. 2, Scully reported he was struck with a tire iron by two unknown suspects when he arrived home from work. Nov. 9, Scully reported he was shot in the arm, also outside of his home.

Both cases are still under active investigation and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about this murder or the prior cases is asked to call the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department at (815) 319-6300 or Crime-Stoppers at (815) 963-7867.