15-year-old suspect in Rockford murder in custody, two of three other suspects released pretrial

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A 15-year-old wanted for an E. State Street murder has been taken into custody, while two of the three other men charged with the crime are out on pretrial release.

According to Rockford Police, Chase Higgins, 27, was shot multiple times after a fight ensued at an after-hours event in the 6600 block of E. State Street on Saturday, August 24th, 2024.

Detectives from Rockford Police’s Gang Unit identified four suspects in the crime.

Enrique Dozal, 21, Aarionte Mahone, 27, and Jason Bryant, 29, were arrested in late March and charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery.

Police announced the arrest of the 15-year-old offender on the same charges on Wednesday, April 9th.

However, court records show Dozal and Mahone were granted pretrial release under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act.

Dozal is due in court on May 6th. Mahone’s next court appearance is on May 21st.

Bryant is still held in custody at the Winnebago County Jail and will return to court on May 14th.