Joliet, IL – A Saturday afternoon shooting in Joliet has turned deadly after a 60-year-old man was shot outside a residence and later died at the hospital, prompting charges against a local suspect.
According to the Joliet Police Department, officers responded around 4:38 p.m. on May 9, 2026, Saturday, to the 200 block of Nicholson Street for reports of a man shot. Upon arrival, officers found the victim in the front yard suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in critical condition.
Police said they encountered a man identified as Willis Ellis, 58, of Joliet, at the scene. According to authorities, Ellis allegedly called 911 himself and reported that he had shot someone. Officers detained him, and a handgun was recovered.
Investigators said a preliminary review indicates the victim and Ellis knew each other and became involved in an argument on the porch of the residence. During the altercation, the victim reportedly stepped into the front yard, where the shooting occurred.
Later that evening, police confirmed the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. His identity and official cause of death remain pending through the Will County Coroner’s Office.
According to officials, Ellis has been charged with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm. After processing, he was transported to a hospital for treatment of a preexisting medical condition and remains under police guard.
The case remains under review by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Joliet Police or Will County Crime Stoppers.
