Crime
Amber Alert Cancelled: 4-Year-Old Blessing Aoci found safe
UPDATE: Authorities in Rock Island say Blessing Aoci has been located and is safe, and has been reunited with her mother..
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS – Authorities are urgently searching for a missing 4-year-old girl, Blessing Aoci, who was inside a vehicle that was stolen early Thursday morning.
At approximately 6:07 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 1300 block of 14½ Street.
The car was left running with Blessing, secured in a car seat in the back.
The stolen vehicle was recovered at approximately 6:24 a.m. in the area of 8th Street and 15th Avenue, but Blessing was not inside.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Rock Island Police Department (RIPD), Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department, and Moline Police Department, are dedicating all available resources to locate the child.
The search includes door-to-door canvassing, aerial surveillance using drones, and collaboration with surrounding agencies.
Blessing Aoci is a 4-year-old African American female, approximately 3 feet tall and weighing 50 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink jacket, pink boots, and blue pants.
Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant. If you see a child matching Blessing’s description or have any information about her whereabouts, immediately contact the Rock Island Police Department at (309) 732-2677 or dial 911.
This is an active investigation, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The safety and well-being of Blessing remain the top priority for all involved.
Crime
Fatal Domestic Shooting Under Investigation on Mel Smith Road
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.
