Rockford Gas Station Murder Suspect Linked to Two Other Killings

Deontez Williams, 35, charged with third murder after allegedly shooting man at Marathon station in August 2022.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, metallic object against a dark background, conceptually representing physical evidence from a crime scene and the gritty, investigative nature of the story.A recent wave of violent crimes linked to a single suspect exposes the ongoing challenge of repeat offenders and the need for stronger public safety measures.Rockford Today

Deontez Williams, 35, has been charged with the murder of a 20-year-old man at a Rockford, Illinois gas station in August 2022. Williams is already a suspect in two other murders that occurred in the nearby city of Loves Park earlier that year.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and repeat offenders in the Rockford metropolitan area, where multiple homicides have occurred in a short period of time. It raises questions about bail policies, mental health resources, and the ability of law enforcement to prevent escalating violence by suspects with prior criminal histories.

The details

On August 2, 2022, Rockford police responded to a Marathon gas station where they found 20-year-old Zamarye Charles shot and sitting in a car. Charles was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries on August 8. Detectives identified Deontez Williams, 35, as the suspect and charged him with murder. Williams is already incarcerated as a suspect in two other murders that occurred in nearby Loves Park earlier that year - the shooting death of Detrayvian Jones at a bar on May 14, 2022, and the killing of Dijoune Nelson in his backyard on August 5, 2022. Williams was arrested while fleeing police in Toledo, Ohio on September 8, 2022.

  • On August 2, 2022, Rockford police responded to the gas station shooting.
  • Zamarye Charles died from his injuries on August 8, 2022.
  • Deontez Williams is a suspect in the murder of Detrayvian Jones on May 14, 2022.
  • Deontez Williams is a suspect in the murder of Dijoune Nelson on August 5, 2022.
  • Deontez Williams was arrested while fleeing police in Toledo, Ohio on September 8, 2022.

The players

Deontez Williams

A 35-year-old man who has been charged with the murder of Zamarye Charles at a Rockford gas station in August 2022. Williams is also a suspect in two other murders that occurred in nearby Loves Park earlier that year.

Zamarye Charles

A 20-year-old man who was shot and killed at a Marathon gas station in Rockford, Illinois on August 2, 2022.

Detrayvian Jones

A man who was shot and killed at Neighbor's Bar and Grill in Loves Park, Illinois on May 14, 2022. Deontez Williams is a suspect in his murder.

Dijoune Nelson

A man who was killed in the backyard of his home in Loves Park, Illinois on August 5, 2022. Deontez Williams is a suspect in his murder.

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What’s next

Prosecutors will continue building their case against Deontez Williams, who is already incarcerated, and will decide whether to seek the death penalty for the three alleged murders.

The takeaway

This string of violent crimes in the Rockford metropolitan area highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in preventing escalating gun violence by repeat offenders. It raises questions about bail policies, mental health resources, and the need for stronger measures to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.