Despite ‘very good leads,’ Como man’s murder still not solved; family ups reward to $10,000

STERLING – The family of a Como man shot and killed in his yard has upped the reward for information in the case from $5,000 to $10,000.

Jason A. Chapman, 43, was found in his yard on Front Street around 12:30 a.m. July 5. No arrests have been made.

His parents, Lorna and Dennis Hemminger of Sterling, are growing increasingly frustrated.

“They don’t tell us nothing,” Dennis Hemminger said of investigators with the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department.

In his desire to do something, Hemminger hand-made several signs to post around town with his phone number, 815-626-1039, and information on the reward, hoping they will help lead to a break in his only son’s case.

Sheriff John Booker said he sympathizes with the Hemmingers’ frustration, and while his detective remains in contact with them, he can’t provide them details that might compromise the investigation.

He does have some promising leads, “some very good leads” that his investigators are following up on, and he hopes to have more news in the next few weeks, he said.

“I believe we’re getting closer,” Booker said.

Investigators say the shooting occurred between 10:15 p.m. July 4 and when Chapman’s body was discovered in his yard around 12:30 a.m. July 5. Evidence collected at the scene was sent to the State Police crime lab, and detectives have been conducting interviews. Results of the crime lab tests won’t be made public because of the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information on the case also can call the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department at 815-772-4044 or the anonymous reward hotline, Whiteside County Crime Stoppers, 815-625-7867. Tipsters who have information that leads to an arrest or conviction are still eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Como is an unincorporated village of about 550 people about 2 miles west of Rock Falls off U.S. Route 30.