Rockford's Independent Newspaper

Suspect in 2017 shooting death of Rockford man turns self in

ROCKFORD — A suspect in a 2017 homicide has turned himself in, law enforcement officials reported Friday.

Marcus Spates, 47, surrendered to deputies Thursday, a day after first-degree murder charges against him were announced by Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato.

At around 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, officers from the Rockford Police Department responded to the 300 block of Cole Avenue, where they found 27-year-old Isaiah Starks, of Rockford, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Starks was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. 

Later that day, 41-year-old Jamie Spates, brother of Marcus Spates, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Jamie Spates’ lawyer claims Starks and Marcus Spates were fighting over a gun produced by Starks and thatit accidentally went off during the struggle.

Both suspects are lodged in the Winnebago County Jail, Marcus Spates without bond. Bail for Jamie Spates has been set at $2 million. R.

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