Morrison, IL — An 18-year-old from Rock Falls has been declared competent to face trial after being accused of shooting a teenage employee at a local pizzeria in a case that has gripped the small community. Whiteside County Circuit Court Judge James Heuerman ruled on Friday that Harrison Webb is fit for trial, setting the stage for legal proceedings to continue nearly five months after the incident at Sterling’s Pizza Ranch.
On November 6, Webb allegedly entered the kitchen of the restaurant and shot a 17-year-old co-worker in the neck from close range during a busy evening. Authorities reported that Webb and the victim had a tumultuous relationship, which escalated after a dispute in an online messaging group earlier that day.
The confrontation, which law enforcement recorded on surveillance footage, shows Webb allegedly approaching the victim from behind while uttering a taunt before firing the weapon. The bullet passed through the victim’s neck, who was fortunately released from CGH Medical Center in Sterling after receiving treatment.
Webb faces several charges including attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and burglary. The charges tie back to allegations that he crossed into Sterling from Rock Falls, targeting the Pizza Ranch where both teens worked. After the shooting, Webb was believed to have escaped to a nearby cornfield but was apprehended two days later at his residence.
If found guilty, Webb could receive a stiff penalty ranging from six to 30 years for the attempted murder, adhering to state laws that require him to serve at least 85% of the sentence. Potential enhancements could increase his prison time up to a life sentence. The other charges also carry severe consequences, with the firearm offense having similar sentencing guidelines as attempted murder and the burglary counts could add up to seven additional years for each offense.
Legal preparations continue as both sides gear up for the upcoming court dates. A pretrial conference is set for April 23, followed by a jury trial beginning May 13, all to be held at the Whiteside County Circuit Court. Until then, Webb will remain in custody at the Whiteside County Jail.
The events leading to the charges stem from a heated exchange between Webb and the victim, which authorities say spiked after derogatory comments were exchanged via Snapchat. This incident highlights the sometimes devastating impact of online disputes spilling into real-life consequences.
Community members and local authorities are closely watching the case, eager for justice and answers to the violent act that disrupted what was an otherwise ordinary evening at the Pizza Ranch. As the trial progresses, it promises to shed further light on the details and motivations behind the tragic event.
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