Marcus Antonio McLin Sr., a 25-year-old African American male from Rockford, Illinois, tragically lost his life on April 2, 2022. Born on April 18, 1996, in Blue Island, Illinois, Marcus had lived in Rockford for 19 years after moving from Chicago. He attended Jefferson High School and was a father to a young son, Marcus McLin Jr. On the evening of April 2, Marcus was fatally shot in the parking lot of Macy's at CherryVale Mall.
The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m., left the community in shock and mourning.
The investigation into Marcus's death revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence but rather an isolated incident. According to reports, there was an altercation inside the mall that escalated when Marcus exited the building, where he was confronted and shot by the suspect. The Winnebago County Coroner's Office confirmed that Marcus died from injuries sustained in the shooting. His family, including his parents Tamara and Ricardo Taylor, and his father Gerald McLin, were left devastated by the loss.
The primary suspect in the case is Elijah Lucena, a 25-year-old male who remains at large. Lucena is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and is considered armed and dangerous. Both Marcus and Lucena have histories involving weapon offenses, which has added complexity to the investigation. Despite the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, Lucena has not yet been apprehended, and the search for him continues. The Cherry Valley Police Department has urged anyone with information about Lucena's whereabouts to come forward.
The community has rallied around Marcus's family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. A funeral service was held on April 16, 2022, at Providence Baptist Church in Rockford, where family and friends gathered to honor Marcus's memory. His mother, Tami Taylor, described him as a dedicated father who was deeply involved in his son's life. The family continues to seek justice for Marcus and hopes that the suspect will soon be brought to justice.
