Police release name of Rock Falls man found dead after gunfire reports

ROCK FALLS – The body of a man found dead Tuesday night in Rock Falls has been identified.

Police discovered Jasen M. Bell’s body Tuesday night on the ground on West 17th Street between 13th and 14th avenues, according to a news release. Rock Falls police responded at 10:24 p.m. Tuesday to a report of gunfire in that area, according to a news release from Rock Falls Police Chief David Pilgrim.

Bell, 42, of Rock Falls, was identified after an autopsy.

The investigation is ongoing, and the incident is being treated as a homicide. Police had not identified a shooter as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release.

Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker said Wednesday that no one was in custody in the Whiteside County Jail in connection with the shooting. He said his office is assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Rock Falls Police Department at 815-622-1140. To provide information anonymously, call Whiteside County Crimestoppers at 815-625-STOP.

The Sterling Police Department, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, ISP Crime Scene Services and Whiteside County coroner are assisting in the investigation.