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Charges upgraded to first-degree murder for juvenile suspects in Kewanee stabbing

The 14 and 16-year-old suspects were given upgraded charges of first-degree murder on Tuesday.

KEWANEE, Ill. — Editor's note: The above video aired on April 3.

Upgraded charges for two of the stabbing suspects have been filed, according to a news release published to the Kewanee Police Department's Facebook page.

After further investigation, the second-degree murder charges against a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old were upgraded to first-degree murder.

The 16-year-old is now charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated battery, one count of obstructing justice and one count of mob action. He currently resides in the Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center. If convicted, he would be held in the Juvenile Justice System until his 21st birthday.

The 14-year-old is now charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and mob action, and also resides in the Mary Davis center.

Original story

Kewanee Police are investigating a deadly stabbing incident from over the weekend. Police said it happened Saturday, April 1 around 9:24 pm. It happened near North Lakeview Avenue and Hope Way.

When police arrived they say they found a 38-year-old man on the ground with multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. A press release from the department said that the responding police officer began performing CPR and called paramedics. When they arrived on the scene, they transported the victim to OSF Saint Luke's Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Police have identified the victim as Clifton Parks of Kewanee, Illinois.

Police said they began to search the area for any suspects. Police said they spoke to witnesses and identified suspects. Police arrested a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old both from Kewanee. The 14-year-old was given preliminary charges of Mob Action and Aggravated Battery. The 16-year-old was given preliminary charges of 2nd-degree murder and mob action. Police say both juveniles have been taken to the Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center in Galesburg.

Other arrests have been made, including 34-year-old Justin Kentner of Kewanee. Kentner is being charged with Aggravated Battery and Obstructing Justice according to police. Kentner was taken to the Henry County Jail. 35-year-old Andrea Peach of Kewanee was arrested for obstructing justice and was issued a notice to appear in court on May 22nd, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

Police said the incident is being investigated as a homicide. If anyone has any additional information related to the investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Kewanee Police Department at (309) 853-1911.

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