Clifton "Mike" Totton, a 39-year-old African American male from Rockford, Illinois, tragically lost his life on May 4, 2020. Clifton was born on December 21, 1980, and had lived in Rockford for 16 years after moving from Chicago. He was a father, leaving behind his daughter Destiny Totton, his son Clifton Totton, and three grandchildren. Clifton was engaged to Lisa Valentine and had a large extended family, including several stepchildren and siblings.
On the evening of May 4, 2020,
Rockford police responded to a shooting incident on the 1100 block of Benton Street. Clifton Totton was found with severe gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital by friends. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident was a significant shock to the community, as Clifton was well-known and had many loved ones.
The investigation into Clifton Totton's death led to the identification of 36-year-old Darryl Lyles as the primary suspect. Lyles, also an African American male, was charged with first-degree murder and being an armed habitual criminal. He was apprehended in Rock Island, Illinois, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The arrest was made without incident, and Lyles was taken into custody to face charges related to the fatal shooting of Clifton Totton.
The case against Darryl Lyles proceeded through the legal system, with charges including first-degree murder. The community closely followed the developments, seeking justice for Clifton Totton. The tragic loss of Clifton Totton highlighted the ongoing issues of gun violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. His death remains a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
