Crime
Andre Moreland arrested, accused of murdering 19-year-old Ethan Austin in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. — A 19-year-old man has died following a shooting early Friday morning in Rockford, and police have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident.
According to the Rockford Police Department, officers were notified around 12:20 a.m. that a male gunshot victim had arrived at a local hospital.
The victim, later identified as Ethan Austin, succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, officials confirmed.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting occurred during a physical altercation in the parking lot of Broadway Food & Liquor, located at 2710 Broadway.
During the confrontation, shots were fired, fatally wounding Austin.
Rockford Police launched an immediate investigation and, by Friday, located and arrested the suspected shooter, Andre Moreland, 40, in the 3200 block of Maryland Road.
Moreland has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Austin’s death.
Authorities also confirmed that he was wanted on additional outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest.
Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the altercation or whether the suspect and victim knew each other prior to the incident.
The case remains under investigation.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Rockford Police Department or submit anonymous tips through the department’s tip line.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.