The Rockford community is reeling from shock and grief following the tragic death of 10-year-old Destiny Huggins. Antonio Monroe, a registered sex offender from Blue Island, Illinois, now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery via strangulation. The incident occurred on Saturday night when Huggins and her 6-year-old sister were playing outside their home. Monroe allegedly approached the girls, grabbing them before strangling them. Destiny was found unconscious near an abandoned house, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her sister managed to break free during the attack.
According to the police, Destiny Huggins and her younger sister were playing outside their home around midnight when Antonio Monroe approached them. He forcibly grabbed both girls, but Destiny’s sister was able to escape. A neighbor discovered Destiny outside an abandoned house, unconscious. Paramedics arrived at the scene and attempted CPR, but tragically, Destiny could not be saved. The police determined that she had been strangled. Monroe was apprehended not far from the scene with the assistance of K9 units.
The Rockford community is grappling with the devastating loss of a young life. Jessica Daehler, a neighbor, expressed her shock by highlighting the fact that anyone could have been the victim of this horrific crime. The police used a drone to survey the area where Destiny was found, revealing several dilapidated properties nearby. Authorities describe the neighborhood as transient.
In response to the tragedy, the mayor of Rockford issued a statement expressing his devastation and acknowledging the impact this crime will have on Destiny’s family and loved ones. He emphasized the need for the community to process, grieve, and heal. The mayor also pledged to evaluate any gaps in the system and consider implementing additional protections to prevent violent criminals from preying on children in the future.