Rockford man convicted of raping woman in 2022

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – The Winnebago County State’s Attorney announced Thursday that Richard Wooten, 58, has been convicted of a brutal rape that occurred in 2022.

According to prosecutors, Rockford police officers found the victim unconscious and severely beaten, lying on a mattress in an alley in the 1100 block of 3rd Avenue on June 22, 2022.

The woman was taken to hospital with multiple injuries to her face and head, including a brain haemorrhage. Surgeons removed part of her skull to relieve swelling, authorities said. While she recovered, she was placed in a medically induced coma for several weeks.

A sexual assault kit showed she had been raped.

Wooten was identified as a suspect in the case and had blood on his clothing during an interview with officers, police said.

His DNA also matched that of the victim.

Wooten was sentenced to 50 years in prison. If he is released, he will be on mandatory supervised release for the rest of his life.

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