Marcus Price, a 19-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 15, 2021, in Freeport, Illinois. The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of Frank Street and State Avenue. Marcus was the victim of a gang-related drive-by shooting. He was found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds and was rushed to FHN Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Another victim, a 23-year-old man, was also injured in the shooting and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation into Marcus Price's death revealed that the shooting was gang-related. Freeport Police identified a newer model silver Chrysler 300 with black rims as the vehicle involved in the incident. The vehicle was located in Rockford later that evening, and a person of interest was interviewed but later released without charges. The suspects involved in the shooting were considered armed and dangerous.
In December 2024, a Stephenson County jury found Niyiquell Pendleton, a 21-year-old male, guilty of the murder of Marcus Price. Pendleton was identified as the shooter in the drive-by incident that claimed Marcus's life. The trial concluded with Pendleton's conviction, and he is due back in court for a status hearing before his sentencing. This conviction brought some closure to the tragic event that took the life of a young man with a promising future ahead of him.
