Rockford teen charged with first degree murder in the death of nurse from OSF Saint Anthony

ROCKFORD - Murder charges in the death of 58-year-old Karen Shafer are filed against a Rockford teen.

Still, Rockford police and the Winnebago County State's Attorney remain very tight lipped about the case.

Even after a grand jury has issued a 29 count indictment against a teen driver, facts about the case remain confidential, likely because more charges could be coming against two other people who were also in the car with him.

17-year-old Traveon Parham has been charged with 29 different counts, including first degree murder, vehicle theft and aggravated DUI "involving the traffic related death of Karen Shafer," said Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato.

After police responded to a call about teens breaking into cars in the Holy Family Catholic Church parking lot last month, Parham and two others fled south on Alpine in a stolen car but quickly crashed into 58-year-old Karen Shafer as she was headed west on Guilford.

"The east west lanes had the green light, and the north south vehicles had the red light," said Rockford Police Lieutenant Christine Bishop.

While Parham has been charged as a criminal in Shafer's death, the two other's in the car have not.  Bruscato refused to answer many questions surrounded the case, including how fast Parham was going, the age of the other passengers, or any details that he believes could hinder future charges.

"At this time, the matter remains under investigation," said Bruscato.  "I don't think we are going to be disclosing any information or facts regarding what happened."

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, where Shafer worked, gave Eyewitness News this statement:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family.  This is a very difficult time for all members of our organization."

Parham will be in court next week to face his charges.  He is being held on 250-thousand dollars bond.  If convicted, he could be sentenced to 84 years in prison.