William Anthony Strong, a 34-year-old African American man, tragically lost his life on November 13, 2014, in Freeport, Illinois. Known to friends and family as "Tony," Strong was a beloved barber in his community. On that fateful day, he was found dead in his upstairs apartment on Iroquois Street, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m., and he was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officers. The Stephenson County Coroner, Tom Leamon, confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound, and an autopsy was scheduled to further investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from an argument over a haircut. Damon T. Dixson, a 22-year-old African American man, was identified as the primary suspect. Dixson had visited Strong's apartment for a haircut, and during their interaction, a dispute arose, leading to the fatal shooting. Dixson, who had a criminal history including felony convictions for burglary and the manufacture/delivery of marijuana, was on parole at the time of the incident. Following the shooting, an arrest warrant was issued for Dixson, who was considered armed and dangerous. He was described as 6'1" tall, weighing 190 pounds, with a goatee and tattoos on his upper left cheek and the backs of his hands.
The case garnered significant attention in the local community, highlighting concerns about violence and safety in the neighborhood. Residents expressed their worries about the increasing violence and the need for better security measures, such as improved street lighting and the removal of public picnic shelters that had become gathering spots for potentially dangerous individuals. The Freeport Area Church Cooperative, a local social service agency, also voiced concerns about the impact of poverty and poorly maintained rental properties on the community's safety.
Dixson was eventually apprehended with the assistance of Rockford police and Illinois Department of Corrections parole officers. His arrest brought some relief to the community, but the tragic loss of William Anthony Strong left a lasting impact on those who knew him. The case underscored the broader issues of crime and violence in the area, prompting calls for increased efforts to address these challenges and improve the overall safety and well-being of the residents.
