Reginald Le'Traviion "Reggie" Safford Jr., a 17-year-old African American male from Rockford, Illinois, tragically lost his life on December 16, 2015. Born on April 16, 1998, Reginald was a beloved member of his community, actively participating in the youth choir at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. He attended Auburn High School and had recently graduated from Youth Build with a Construction License. Reginald's untimely death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the broader Rockford community.
On the evening of December 16, 2015, Reginald was fatally shot on Concord Avenue in Rockford. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including a critical injury to his neck. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Reginald succumbed to his injuries. The incident occurred in a neighborhood plagued by violence, with residents frequently reporting gunfire and gang activity. The initial autopsy confirmed that Reginald died as a result of these gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Reginald's murder has been challenging for law enforcement. No arrests have been made, and the police have remained tight-lipped about the details of the case. Deputy Chief Doug Pann highlighted the difficulties investigators face, noting that retaliation shootings and a lack of cooperation from witnesses often hinder their efforts. The community's fear and frustration have been palpable, with many residents expressing concerns about the pervasive violence and the presence of firearms among local youth.
Reginald's death is part of a broader pattern of violence affecting his family. His aunt, Sonya Marshall, revealed that Reginald was the second family member she had lost to gun violence within a year. Her niece, 15-year-old Jazznique Fort, was killed in a drive-by shooting in January 2015. This repeated trauma has left the family and community grappling with grief and a desperate need for justice.
The ongoing investigation into Reginald's murder underscores the complexities of addressing gang-related violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in securing cooperation from witnesses. As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, the search for answers and accountability continues.
