ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Winnebago County jury has found Dezzeion Benjamin, 23, guilty of first-degree murder in connection with a 2023 fatal shooting that claimed the life of Benjamin Bledsoe. The guilty verdict was returned on October 1, 2026.
The case stems from a shooting reported late on October 24, 2023, in the 1400 block of Meadow Court in Rockford. Police were called to the area around 11:15 p.m. after reports of gunfire and found the 29-year-old Bledsoe suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and lying in the road. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
While on scene, Benjamin, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, told police he shot Bledsoe, according to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office. Rockford police said he was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested. He was later charged with first-degree murder…