A quiet early Saturday morning turned deadly in Morris when gunfire erupted in the downtown area, leaving one man dead and another injured. The shooting happened around 1 a.m. in the 100 block of West Washington Street, according to police. The tragic incident has shocked residents and prompted an ongoing investigation by local authorities.
John Callahan confirmed that the victim who lost his life was 35-year-old Julian Rosario of Channahon. Rosario was pronounced dead at the scene after officers discovered him suffering from gunshot wounds. His sudden death has left family members and friends grieving as they struggle to understand what led to the violence.
The Morris Police Department said officers responded alongside the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office after reports of shots fired. When authorities arrived, they found two men with apparent gunshot injuries. Rosario was declared deceased at the scene, while the second victim was transported to Morris Hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not released details about his current condition.
Police quickly began investigating and were able to identify a suspect in the case. Authorities named Marshall Szpara, 22, of Seneca, as the alleged shooter. He was taken into custody without incident following the shooting. The arrest brought some relief to residents concerned about safety in the normally quiet downtown area.
Szpara has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting. However, officials noted that the charges are pending further review by the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office. Additional or upgraded charges could be considered as the investigation continues and more evidence is examined.
Law enforcement officers remain at work gathering witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and piecing together the sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter. The loss of Julian Rosario marks a heartbreaking moment for the community. As loved ones mourn his passing, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to help bring clarity and justice in this tragic case.
