New Rockford-area prosecutor dismisses murder charge

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - A new prosecutor in Winnebago County dropped a first-degree murder charge against a man who was arrested more than a year ago, saying records show he was working at the time of the shooting.

Shawnqiz Lee was charged last year with killing Julian Young of Rockford in 2018, based on someone months later identifying him as one of two intruders at the scene, State's Attorney J. Hanley said.

'œNo other evidence linked Mr. Lee to the murder,'ť Hanley said Thursday.

Payroll records given to Rockford police after Lee's arrest show he was working at the time of the murder, said Hanley, who took office on Dec. 1, long after Lee was charged by a different prosecutor.

'œThe state's attorney's office will continue its commitment of bringing criminals to justice while ensuring that innocent people are not charged with crimes,'ť Hanley said.