Aurora, Illinois — A shooting near the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora early Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, left two people injured and prompted a significant police response in the west suburban area. The Aurora Police Department responded to the incident shortly after 6 a.m. in the 500 block of Station Boulevard, where they found two male victims near a basketball court with gunshot wounds.
The shooting appears to have been related to a domestic dispute, according to police. The two victims, a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, were immediately transported to a local hospital. The 19-year-old victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, but the 20-year-old victim’s condition was more severe, and he was listed in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
The police have identified the suspect as 24-year-old Aaron Conley of Aurora, who remains at large. Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for Conley, with officers working closely with nearby Naperville Police to track down the suspect. Authorities have issued a description of the suspect and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his capture.
What’s Happening Now:
The shooting took place near the Fox Valley Mall, a busy shopping and entertainment area that draws significant foot traffic, particularly on weekends. The incident caused widespread concern in the neighborhood, and police asked residents to remain indoors while they conducted a search for the suspect.
A significant police presence, including officers from the Aurora Police Department and the Naperville Police Department, was seen in the area as they scoured the vicinity. The shooting also affected Metra train services, with multiple trains operating near the Route 59 station suspended or delayed due to the police activity in the area. Officers were seen using K9 units and SWAT teams to assist in the search for Conley, who was described as a Black male with short, black dreadlocks, standing around 6 feet tall with a thin build. Conley was last seen wearing a black hoodie-style quarter zip and black pants.
What’s Next for the Investigation:
Aurora Police are continuing to investigate the shooting and are actively searching for Aaron Conley, who remains the primary suspect in the attack. Police have asked anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts or the shooting itself to come forward and assist with the investigation. Tip lines have been set up for anonymous calls, and investigators are urging people to be vigilant, especially in the areas near the Fox Valley Mall and Route 59.
The police are working to gather more details about the events leading up to the shooting, including speaking with witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from the mall and surrounding areas. The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight and in a heavily trafficked area, has raised concerns about safety in the community and the need for greater awareness of potential threats in busy public spaces.
Investigators are also focusing on the domestic dispute angle. They are working to determine whether the shooting was premeditated or the result of a heated argument that escalated into violence. Authorities are looking into whether Conley had any prior criminal history or a history of violence in his personal relationships, which may have contributed to the incident.
While Conley’s whereabouts remain unknown, authorities are confident that with the cooperation of the public, they will be able to locate the suspect and bring him into custody. Law enforcement has assured the community that they are doing everything in their power to resolve the case quickly and ensure the safety of all residents.
What’s Next for the Community:
The shooting has deeply shaken the Aurora community, particularly because it occurred in a public space frequented by families and shoppers. The Fox Valley Mall is a central hub for residents, and incidents like this raise questions about safety in local retail and entertainment centers. The police presence in the area was strong, but the public has expressed concern about how the shooting could have been prevented.
Local leaders and activists are calling for increased security measures in public areas like shopping centers and near transportation hubs. Many are advocating for additional patrols, better surveillance systems, and more visible law enforcement presence in high-traffic areas to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In the aftermath of the shooting, local organizations are rallying to support the victims and their families. Mental health professionals, counselors, and community outreach groups are offering their services to help those affected by the violence. The two injured victims are receiving medical care, and their families are asking for privacy during this difficult time. Support is also being offered to local residents who may be feeling anxious or unsettled by the shooting.
Community members are also coming together to discuss ways to reduce violence in the area, particularly gun violence. While the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, many are using this moment to advocate for stronger gun control measures, as well as greater efforts to address domestic violence issues and provide better resources for those in need.
What’s Next for the Victims and Their Families:
The victims of the shooting, aged 19 and 20, remain in the care of local hospitals, with the 20-year-old victim in critical condition. The 19-year-old victim is expected to survive, but the family is understandably distressed by the violence that their loved ones experienced. Both victims have been identified by family members and friends as young men with promising futures, and their community is rallying behind them as they recover from their injuries.
The families of the victims are asking for privacy during this difficult time, and they have expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from the community. Medical bills, emotional trauma, and the uncertainty of recovery are weighing heavily on the families, but they have expressed optimism that the suspect will be apprehended soon, providing some sense of justice.
The victims’ families have also shared that they are working with local counseling services to help them navigate the emotional fallout from the shooting. As both victims recover, their families are focused on supporting their physical and emotional well-being, as well as their long-term recovery from the traumatic events of that day.
What’s Next for the Suspect Aaron Conley:
Aaron Conley remains at large, and law enforcement agencies are working hard to track him down. Police believe that he may have fled to a neighboring area and are expanding their search beyond Aurora and Naperville to locate him. Authorities are asking the public to remain alert and report any sightings of Conley or any suspicious activity related to the case.
As of now, Conley faces several charges related to the shooting, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses and more details emerge. Law enforcement officials have stated that they will continue to search for Conley until he is apprehended, and they are using all available resources to ensure his capture.
Closing:
The shooting in Aurora has left a lasting impact on the community, raising concerns about public safety and the threat of gun violence in everyday settings. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to bring justice to the victims and ensure that the suspect is held accountable for his actions.
The Aurora Police Department, along with the Naperville Police Department and other local agencies, is working tirelessly to locate Aaron Conley and bring him to justice. The community is rallying behind the victims, their families, and law enforcement, and there is a collective desire to restore peace to the area.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, and we hope for the swift resolution of this case. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.