Kankakee, IL – A Kankakee man has been formally charged with murder following a December 21 homicide on the city’s east side, according to newly released information from the Kankakee Police Department.
According to police, officers responded to a homicide investigation on December 21 in the 1200 block of East Oak Street. Joseph Harris, 47, initially reported that Travis L. Hayes, 35, of Kankakee, and an alleged accomplice attempted to forcibly enter his residence and that Hayes was armed with a shotgun.
As the investigation continued, detectives interviewed the alleged accomplice and recovered video evidence that contradicted Harris’ original account, police said. Based on that information, investigators conducted a second interview with Harris on December 30.
During that interview, Harris allegedly admitted that he shot Hayes and was in possession of the shotgun at the time of the incident. Police said Harris further stated that the firearm was not taken from Hayes, as he had previously claimed during his December 21 interview.
Following the second interview, Harris was transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center, where he was formally charged with murder.
Kankakee Police Chief Chris Kidwell commended investigators for their work, stating they showed “tenacity, diligence, and commitment to uncovering the truth,” adding that their efforts led to a resolution that ensures accountability and justice.
The case remains under investigation and will be forwarded to the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office for further review.
An arrest or criminal charge is not evidence of guilt. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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