Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley has announced charges for Malik H. Trotter, the 28-year-old man arrested for shooting and killing Rockford Police K-9 Nyx.
Those charges include attempt first degree murder (five counts), armed violence (two counts), aggravated discharge of a firearm (four counts), unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (two counts), killing a police canine and theft.
According to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force, Rockford Police officer Jon Vargas and Nyx were responding to a domestic situation involving Trotter on Jan. 28 when Trotter fled.
Investigators believe Vargas and Nyx ran after Trotter and that Trotter fatally shot Nyx during the pursuit. Vargas then shot Trotter in the leg.
Attempt first degree murder of a police officer is a class X felony punishable by 20 to 80 years in prison with an additional 20 years for use of a firearm.
If there is a finding of guilty or a plea of guilty, the five counts of attempt first degree murder would be served consecutively. Each charge is subject to truth in sentencing and would be served at 85%.