Man found guilty of attempted murder in 2023 shooting in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – A 31-year-old man faces up to 50 years in prison after a jury finds him guilty in connection with a 2023 shooting.

Austen Fowler of Rockford was convicted of attempted first degree murder.

Man found guilty of attempted murder in 2023 shooting in Rockford(WIFR)

On May 2, 2023, Rockford police responded to an area hospital for a man who had been shot in the arm and face.

The victim told police the shooting happened outside his home in the 3000 block of 7th Street. Fowler said two armed men wearing masks came up to his vehicle and made demands. When he started to drive away, the men began shooting.

Fowler was arrested in June 2023 after police identified him as a suspect. Prosecutors say shoes found at his home matched those worn by one of the suspects caught on surveillance video the day of the shooting. Witness testimony plus more surveillance footage and call records helped prove Fowler’s involvement in the shooting, according to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Attempted first degree murder carries a sentence of 6-30 years in prison. Because a firearm was used, the offense is punishable by another 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be served at 85% and followed by three years of mandatory supervised release.

Fowler is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 8.