Accused Rockford spree killer awaits blood test to show if he smoked ‘laced’ weed before attacks

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – Christian Soto, the man who told police he smoked laced marijuana before allegedly going on a killing spree earlier this year is awaiting the results of a blood test to determine if there were drugs in his system at the time of the attacks.

According to police reports, Soto, 22, detailed to investigators how he allegedly killed four people on March 27 in a southeast Rockford neighborhood. He said he stabbed three victims before beating a 15-year-old girl to death with a softball bat.

Soto wounded others, including neighbor Keith Fahrney, who intervened to stop the violence.

“He then began to attack him with a knife, also causing multiple injuries,” Hanley said at a press conference after the attacks. “Soto entered Keith Fahrney’s Jeep and attempted to steal it. Fahrney pulled Christian Soto from the Jeep but, again, was being attacked with a knife.”

Soto told detectives that before the bloody rampage, he smoked marijuana with one of his victims and that it was laced with another drug that made him paranoid.

A test on Soto’s urine came back negative. He now awaits the results of a blood test.

“If it comes back that there was a substance in his blood or urine, then that’s another step that needs to be taken,” said DuShawn Denton, a Rockford resident who says he was deeply disturbed by the killings. “But the crime is still inexcusable within itself. It’s still in excusable. People lost their lives. Families were traumatized and a community was shaken.”

Residents from all parts of Rockford say what happened in broad daylight on March 27 has them questioning whether they’re safe in their own homes.

“I always make sure my doors are locked, just because you never know when someone is going to come into your home—an intruder,” local resident Taylor Damisch said. “It’s very unsafe.”

Soto is charged with multiple offenses, including eight counts of first-degree murder and several counts of attempted murder. Attorneys are scheduled to discuss the results of his blood test on Sept. 13, when he’s due back in court.

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