Joliet, IL – Joliet police announced a major update Wednesday morning in the investigation into the fatal shooting of a mother and her young son that shook a residential neighborhood over the weekend.
According to the Joliet Police Department, detectives obtained an arrest warrant earlier today for Joseph D. Johnson, 29, of Joliet, on six counts of First Degree Murder in connection with the deaths of Joselynn Diaz-Garcia and her 4-year-old son. The shooting occurred Sunday morning in the 700 block of Garnsey Avenue.
Police say Johnson remains hospitalized under police guard at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood. Once released from medical care, he is expected to be transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.
The investigation began at approximately 6:55 a.m. Sunday, when officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near Cleveland Avenue and Dillman Avenue. Callers also reported seeing a shirtless man discarding a firearm near nearby train tracks.
Officers located Johnson at 718 Garnsey Avenue, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the ankle, according to police. Outside the residence, officers discovered a 36-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy unresponsive in the backyard, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
During a search of the home, police found an 8-year-old boy with special needs unharmed in a bedroom. He was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center as a precaution.
A firearm and spent shell casings were recovered at the scene and are believed to be connected, police said. The Will County Coroner’s Office pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with video footage or information is urged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at 815-724-3020 or Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
