Dixon School Shooting: Mom, Gun Owner Has Prior Felonies

DIXON, IL — The mother of a 19-year-old former student accused of opening fire at Dixon High School should not have been able to purchase the rifle used in the shooting, according to a WGN investigation. The station said it uncovered two 1991 felonies in Florida that should have prevented Julie Milby from buying the weapon in Illinois.

In a TV news interview, Matthew Milby's mother said she didn't know where he got the 9-mm semi-automatic rifle he's accused of firing before he was shot and wounded by school resource Officer Mark Dallas. But Illinois State Police say she purchased the weapon here in Illinois in 2012.

"That's a good question," she said this week when asked by WIFR how she thought her son obtained the gun. "We don't have guns. I don't have any guns in the house. I've told them what I think of where it came from."

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WGN reported that Julie Milby, previously known as Julie Mitchell, was convicted of felony battery and felony resisting an officer with violence in Osceola County more than 25 years ago. Her attorney told WGN she purchased the gun legally but said he did not know about her felony convictions.

She also has a criminal record in Lee County, Illinois, according to court records.

Matthew Milby is accused of opening fire outside the high school auditorium during a graduation rehearsal. Dallas is being hailed as a hero for confronting the teen and returning fire, wounding the 19-year-old.

Matthew Milby was released from the hospital and transferred to the Lee County jail on Thursday, according to ABC Chicago. His mother told ABC he was recently kicked off the school football team for smoking marijuana and previously said he was bullied by other students.

Matthew Milby appeared in court on Friday and is due back in court Wednesday.

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Photo of Matthew Milby via Illinois State Police