ROCHELLE – It has been one year since a 41-year-old man was found deceased near downtown Rochelle, and there has been no answers as to what exactly occurred. On September 27th of 2024, Rochelle police were called to the 100 block of Washington Street about an unresponsive person. The Illinois State Police have been assisting local authorities with finding answers to the circumstances that led to the death of Manuel Penaran, but so far, nothing has turned up.
Rochelle Police Chief Pete Pavia said there have been no new developments
“Sometimes we just don’t have the answers,” he said. “We did everything we could possibly do. Between us and the state police and the crime labs, we’ve done all we can do at this point. It’s never closed, but it’s just cold right now,” he said.
Anyone with any new information is asked to contact the Rochelle Police Department.