Rockford: 15-Year-Old Charged With First-Degree Murder in Gas Station Killing of Tristyn August
A 15-year-old Rockford boy turned himself in and faces first-degree murder charges in the June 21 shooting death of 20-year-old Tristyn August at a Circle K on East State Street. August's mother called the killing a nightmare.
A Broad-Daylight Shooting on East State Street
A 15-year-old Rockford boy turned himself in Wednesday after detectives charged him with first-degree murder in the killing of Tristyn August, a 20-year-old from Machesney Park. August was shot to death inside his car in the parking lot of a Circle K gas station at 1030 E. State Street around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.
According to the Rockford Police Department, officers responded to the gas station and McDonald's location near Jefferson and East State after receiving a report of a shooting. They found August shot to death inside a vehicle. The Winnebago County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.
A Mother's Plea
August's mother, Amanda, spoke to reporters Tuesday about the loss of her son. She described the aftermath as a "nightmare" and pushed for answers from investigators.
"He wasn't perfect, but he didn't deserve to die the way he died," Amanda said.
Police have not released a motive for the shooting. The suspect, identified only as a 15-year-old male from Rockford, was issued a warrant for first-degree murder. He surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, June 24.
Held in Juvenile Detention
According to the Rockford Police Department news release, the juvenile is now lodged in the Winnebago County Juvenile Detention facility. The case remains under investigation.
Community Gathers for a Vigil
Dozens of people gathered for a candlelight vigil in downtown Rockford on Thursday, June 26 to honor August. The vigil took place near the site of the shooting on East State Street. Family and friends remembered August as a young man taken too soon.
Timeline of Events
- June 21, 4:45 p.m. — Tristyn August, 20, is shot and killed in the Circle K parking lot at 1030 E. State Street in Rockford.
- June 21 — The Winnebago County Coroner identifies the victim and pronounces him dead at the scene.
- June 24 — A 15-year-old Rockford boy turns himself in to police. He is charged with first-degree murder.
- June 24 — August's mother speaks publicly about her son's death.
- June 26 — A candlelight vigil is held in downtown Rockford to honor August.
The Rockford Police Department said the investigation is ongoing. No additional suspects have been named.