On December 26, 2020, a decorated Green Beret entered a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois and opened fire — killing three people and injuring three others. His name is Duke Webb. He does not deny what he did. The question is why.

After four deployments to Afghanistan, and three to Latin America, Duke Webb returned home a different and damaged man. He had sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI) during his service and developed severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD. By late 2020, his mental health had deteriorated significantly. 

The Army prescribed Webb a medicine named Memantine, a powerful neurological drug typically used to treat Alzheimer's disease, known to carry significant potential side effects including hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.

Weeks later, on December 26, 2020, Webb entered the Don Carter Lanes bowling alley and opened fire, believing those around him were "the enemy." Three people died; three others were seriously injured. The entire attack was captured on surveillance video and devastated the Rockford community.

Webb does not deny the shootings. His defense has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of involuntary intoxication, arguing that the combination of TBI, PTSD, and Army-prescribed medication triggered a catastrophic psychotic break that left him unable to control his actions. Prosecutors contend he acted knowingly and must be held fully accountable — a sentence of life without parole. As Webb awaits trial in 2026-2027, his case is unresolved.