Retiring chief defends police department’s handling of murder investigation

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

ROCK FALLS, Ill. - Less than one month before retiring from the Rock Falls Police Department, Chief David Pilgrim wants to set the record straight on an investigation resulting in the dismissal of first-degree murder earlier this year. Pilgrim has been with the Rock Falls Police Department since 2001. He was appointed Chief in early … Continue reading Retiring chief defends police department’s handling of murder investigation

First-degree murder charge dropped for Rock Falls man after flawed investigation

Posted on by Kyle J. Bales

ROCK FALLS, Ill. - A first-degree murder charge in connection to a fatal stabbing in Rock Falls was dismissed after details of a flawed investigation conducted by police were revealed during pretrial. Click here to see an update to this story. https://kylejbales.com/2025/09/03/retiring-chief-defends-investigation-resulting-in-dismissed-first-degree-murder-charge/ Kyle Cooper, 36, of Rock Falls, was set to stand trial on one … Continue reading First-degree murder charge dropped for Rock Falls man after flawed investigation