Ex-husband charged with 2011 Rockford triple homicide

New DNA evidence has led to charges in the 2011 triple homicide of Natasha Cleary and her two sons. The authorities in Winnebago County announced the arrests on Tuesday. Cleary's ex-husband, Katonka Friar, 51, and his acquaintance, Taurean Thomas, 38, have been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated arson, and concealment of a homicide. If found guilty, both men could face life in prison. Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley credited the Rockford Police Department for their persistence in the case. The investigation continued for over a decade and resulted in new analysis of a baggie found at the crime scene, which contained eight bullets. Advances in DNA technology revealed critical evidence. On April 17, 2011, Cleary, 30, and her sons, Marquwon Owens, 12, and Katarion Friar, were discovered shot to death in their home. Their bodies had been burned inside a bedroom. Cleary's bank card was also linked to a suspicious ATM use shortly after the killings. For years, Friar was the prime suspect, facing allegations of previous abuse against Cleary. He was due in court for failing to pay child support just days after the incident. In a past protection order request, Cleary expressed fear for her safety, stating that Friar struggled to control his anger. When re-examined earlier this year, DNA evidence primarily linked Thomas to the crime. Thomas, currently in federal custody for unrelated charges, admitted in an interview that he was at Cleary's home on the day of the murders. He claimed to have heard gunshots and fled the scene. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd emphasized the emotional toll the case had on those who investigated it. Many detectives worked on the case throughout their careers and hoped this development would bring justice and healing for the victims' family. Mayor Tom McNamara commended the police for their commitment to solving the case. He reassured the community that violent crimes would not go unpunished, even years later.