DNA evidence leads to the conviction of a Rockford man in armed robbery cases

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Devon Keys, 26, of Rockford, is awaiting sentencing after a jury found him guilty of four counts of armed robbery.

On October 9, 2024, a jury found Devon Keys, 26, guilty of four armed robberies.(WIFR)

On October 19, 2023, Rockford Police were called to the 1700 block of Rural St. for a report of an armed robbery. Officers spoke with a couple who said a masked man came up to them, pointed a gun at them and demanded they drop their money and belongings on the ground.

Police were later called to the 1400 block of Greenwood Ave. called for another armed robbery. The victims in that case said that the same thing happened to them, although the suspect rode away on his bicycle.

Keys was identified as a suspect and arrested.

Investigators say Keys’ DNA matched DNA evidence found on a discarded bicycle near the crime scene.

He is expected to appear in court again on November 25.