CHICAGO (NEWSnet/AP) — A 22-year-old man was charged with four counts of first-degree murder in a series of stabbings that killed four people Wednesday in the northern Illinois city of Rockford, authorities said.

Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said during a news conference Thursday that Christian Soto would be in court that afternoon to hear the charges; and for a judge to determine if he will remain in jail pending trial.

Soto is also charged with seven counts of attempted murder and home invasion with a dangerous weapon following the attacks in Rockford Wednesday that left seven people injured.

Three people remained hospitalized Thursday, officials said. The other four were treated and released, Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd said.

Those who died were a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman, a 49-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were killed. Police said three of them died where they were attacked and a fourth died at a hospital.

Rockford, home to about 150,000 people, is about 90 miles northwest of Chicago.

Local faith leaders planned to hold a vigil for the victims Thursday afternoon. City officials also announced free counseling services for community members.

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