A 52-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Galesburg, Illinois, left 39-year-old Richard Garza Jr. dead. Police identified the suspect as Joshua Newburn following an investigation into the shooting reported Thursday, November 12.
According to the Galesburg Police Department, the shooting happened in the 200 block of Cottage Avenue. Officers began investigating after receiving the initial call about the incident on Thursday.
The investigation led police to identify Newburn as the suspect. Officers later located him in the 500 block of Mulberry Street, where he was taken into custody a short time after the initial call.
Newburn’s arrest followed the department’s investigation into Garza’s death. Police subsequently charged the 52-year-old with first-degree murder, a serious criminal charge connected to the fatal shooting.
Authorities have also indicated that additional charges are pending. However, the department has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or explained what investigators believe led to the deadly incident.
Newburn is being held at the Knox County Jail as he awaits court proceedings. His arrest marks a major development in the investigation, although police have made clear that their work on the case is not over.
The victim, Richard Garza Jr., was 39 years old. Police have confirmed his identity but have not released further information about his life, family or the circumstances immediately surrounding his death.
The Galesburg Police Department continues to investigate the shooting. With Newburn in custody and a first-degree murder charge filed, investigators are still working to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.