Rockford man accused of killing K9 Nyx will stand trial

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Malik Trotter was arraigned yesterday on murder charges.

In March, his attorney requested a fitness evaluation be done. Trotter was ruled fit to stand trial by a Winnebago County Judge for the charges of attempted murder among others on May 16th.

In January, Rockford Police said officers were investigating a “domestic situation” in the 3000 block of Jacqueline Drive around 1:46 p.m.

The State’s Attorney’s Office said the victim told officers she got into a verbal argument with Trotter, who left the apartment with her phone.

Trotter was located a short time later in the 2900 block of 11th Street, police said.

Rockford Police Officer Vargas and his K9 partner, Nyx, pursued Trotter on foot, according to the State’s Attorney, and K9 Nyx pursued Trotter over a fence, where three shots rang out.

After seeing his K9 partner suffering from gunshot wounds, Officer Vargas reportedly spotted Trotter across the street.

Authorities said Trotter fired his weapon at the officer, who then returned fire, striking Trotter in the leg.

K9 Nyx succumbed to her wounds at the scene.

Trotter is due back in court in July to face five counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm at a Police Officer, Armed Violence, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer, and Killing a Police Animal.

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