The incident occurred in Rockford, Illinois, where the two girls, aged 10 and 6, were playing outside their suburban home. The man responsible for the alleged crime has been identified as Antonio Monroe, 44.
Less than 40 minutes after the abduction, a passerby discovered the 10-year-old girl unresponsive and immediately alerted the police. Despite their efforts to administer CPR, the young victim, identified as Destiny Huggins, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The tragic event has left the community in shock and prompted a strong response from law enforcement.
Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd expressed her deep concern over the incident, stating, "From the time my phone rang yesterday in regards to this incident, my stomach has been in a knot." The younger sister, who was also attacked, informed her mother that a man had grabbed her sister from their front lawn.
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The Rockford Police Department launched an intensive search, utilizing K-9 units to track down Monroe. He was apprehended a few blocks away from where the unresponsive child was found, near the intersection of 9th and Woodruff avenues. During the arrest, Monroe reportedly resisted officers and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for an unrelated issue.
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Chief Redd emphasized the importance of vigilance in protecting children, stating, "We're not living in a time where you just leave your kids outside playing and no one to watch over them. Kids aren't doing anything wrong, but unfortunately, there are individuals out there that will cause harm to them." The younger sister received medical treatment for strangulation-related injuries and was released later that day.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed his disbelief and sorrow over the incident, saying, "I have a 7-year-old daughter, and I just don't understand how someone has this in their being to do something like this to something as sweet and beautiful as that." Chief Redd echoed these sentiments, lamenting the impact of "sick individuals" on the city and reminiscing about a time when children could play outside without fear.
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Monroe has been transported to Winnebago County Jail and faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, two counts of kidnapping, and aggravated battery/strangulation. He is a registered sex offender, having previously been convicted of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old victim in Peoria County, approximately 140 miles south of Rockford.
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Rockford Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues. Mayor McNamara described the situation as a "real-life nightmare with a real-life monster." The community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young life and the need for increased vigilance to protect their children from such heinous acts.
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