Murder suspect still at large: Police claim he shot
 former Sterling man in drug-related argument

STERLING – Funeral services will be held Monday for former Sterling resident James L. Wyatt Jr., who police say was shot and killed Sunday in Rockford. 

Police still are trying to track down Jeremy L. Hassenfelt, 37, of Rockford, wanted for first-degree murder in the death of Wyatt, 33, who was living there.

There are few leads at this point, Deputy Chief Greg Lindmark said Tuesday.

Police were sent to the 1400 block of Latham Place at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

According to police, Wyatt was sitting in the driver's seat of his truck and another person was in the passenger seat. Hassenfelt approached the passenger, the two began to argue and the passenger got out of the truck.

That's when Hassenfelt shot into the truck, hitting Wyatt in the torso and killing him, police said.

Hassenfelt left in a blue car that had driven up behind Wyatt's truck before the shooting. A white man and woman were in the car, which later was found on the city's northwest side.

The argument appears to have been drug-related, Lindmark said.

To report a tip

Jeremy L. Hassenfelt, 37, of Rockford, wanted for first-degree murder in the death of James Wyatt Jr., is black, 6 feet 1 inch tall and 170 pounds.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Rockford police, 815-987-5824 or Crime Stoppers, 815-963-7867.

Funeral services

The funeral for James Wyatt Jr. begins at 1 p.m. Monday at Schilling Funeral Home, 702 1st Avenue, in Sterling. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. before the service, with burial at Riverside Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the father of five.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.

His obituary appears on page A4.