In the early morning hours of February 28, 2026, a dispute outside a downtown Morris, Illinois bar turned deadly, claiming the life of 35-year-old Julian Rosario. The night began at Clayton's Tap on West Washington Street, where an argument that started inside the establishment spilled out into the street. The conflict escalated into a physical altercation between Rosario and another man, Paul Mitchell.
A third individual, 22-year-old Marshall Szpara, became involved in the fight.
He reportedly drew a 9mm handgun and fired a shot that struck both Mitchell in the arm and Rosario in his arm. As the initial fight broke up and Rosario attempted to shield himself, Szpara allegedly fired a second time. This bullet struck Julian Rosario in the back, near his right shoulder, and exited through his jaw. He fell to the ground, unresponsive in a pool of his own blood, and was later pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary cause of death was determined to be the gunshot wound to his neck.
Morris police officers, who were conducting a traffic stop nearby, heard the gunshots and responded immediately to the 100 block of West Washington Street. They quickly located and detained Marshall Szpara, recovering the firearm from him. Paul Mitchell, the other man who was shot, was transported to Morris Hospital and then airlifted to a level one trauma center with life-threatening injuries, though he is expected to recover.
Following an investigation that involved witness interviews and a review of security footage, Marshall Szpara of Seneca was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors stated that Szpara inserted himself into the argument and intentionally discharged his firearm with the intent to kill Rosario in a public place, endangering numerous patrons. During his initial court appearance, Szpara's defense attorney suggested the actions were in self-defense, a claim prosecutors vehemently disputed, pointing out that the fatal shot struck Rosario in the back and that no other weapons were found at the scene. The case is set to proceed through the Grundy County court system.
