Robert E. Rhone, a 35-year-old African American male from Moline, Illinois, tragically lost his life on March 4, 2022, following a shooting incident near Hamilton Elementary School. The incident began with an argument between Rhone and his neighbor, Antwon M. Hayes, a 28-year-old male, on the west side of 7th Street, north of 32nd Avenue. The argument escalated, resulting in Hayes shooting Rhone. The shooting occurred shortly after 8 a.m., just as the school day was beginning, prompting a lockdown at the nearby elementary school to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Rhone was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries but was later pronounced dead. The Rock Island County Coroner, Brian Gustafson, confirmed Rhone's identity and scheduled an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Rhone's death was not a random act of violence; he and Hayes had a history of disputes, including a previous argument that led Rhone's family to temporarily relocate to Texas.
Following the shooting, Antwon M. Hayes was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held in the Rock Island County Jail on a $2 million bond. The investigation revealed that the altercation between Rhone and Hayes was personal and not gang-related. Rhone's family, including his girlfriend of 12 years and their six children, are left to mourn his loss. Rhone's girlfriend shared that he had been dealing with a heart condition and was on blood thinners at the time of his death. The family plans to seek counseling and intends to bury Rhone in Louisiana, where he was originally from.
The Moline Police Department continues to investigate the incident, ensuring that all evidence is collected and the crime scene is thoroughly processed. The close proximity of the shooting to Hamilton Elementary School highlighted the importance of the established protocols and communication between the police department and the school district, which helped maintain a secure environment for the students during the incident.
