The late Theophilus K. Muia was killed during a fight in Illinois
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man is charged with first-degree murder after police say he battered another (Kenyan) man to death during an argument at the Rockford Rescue Mission.
Deputy Chief Greg Lindmark said Fabian Hernandez, 36, of Rockford repeatedly punched and kicked a 23-year-old man Tuesday in an argument over personal property.
Theophilus K. Muia was pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday at SwedishAmerican Hospital from blunt force trauma to the head, Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia said.
Police responded to the incident at 2 p.m. Tuesday and found Muia unresponsive in a grassy area adjacent to the Rescue Mission building, 715 W. State St.
Rockford Rescue Mission Director Sherry Pitney said the fight started outside, away from Rescue Mission workers.
Pitney said they are cooperating with the police investigation but would not comment on how well she knew the men or how often they frequented the mission building.
“Privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation limit our ability to comment further,” Pitney said, reading from a prepared statement.
Hernandez was initially charged with aggravated battery, but those charges were upgraded after Muia died.
Hernandez is being held in Winnebago County Jail without bond.
Reach staff writer Matt Williams at mwilliams@rrstar.com or 815-987-1389.
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