Rockford police have arrested 24-year-old Juan Mora, of Rockford, in connection with the murder of 15-year-old Za’shawn Coats on January 21st, 2019..

Rockford Police say Coats was walking with friends in the area of Kent and Ferguson Streets, at approximately 4 p.m.

When officers arrived, they found him dead in the street, from a bullet wound to the head.

Za’shawn’s aunt, Lavanda Michelle, writes, “Our beautiful boy who was not gang-affiliated was walking home with two friends when a car stopped, asked if they were in a gang, to which he replied, ‘No.’ A gun was then produced and he and one friend were shot.

Mora was arrested on January 24th and charged with First Degree Murder.