Crime & Safety

21-Year-Old Shot and Killed in Joliet

14-year-old boy also suffered a gunshot wound to the foot Sunday afternoon near McDonough and Joliet Street.

Police are investigating the death of a 21-year-old Joliet resident killed in an apparent drive-by shooting Sunday afternoon near the intersection of McDonough Street and Joliet Street. A 14-year-old boy was also injured in the shooting, police said.

Terion D. Steward was pronounced dead at 8:18 p.m. at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, the Will County Coroner said.

Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton said police responded to the shooting at around 3:15 p.m.

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Prior to the shooting, a group of as many as eight people had gathered near McDonough and Joliet Street, Benton said.

As Steward and the 14-year-old walked past the group, shots rang out from a vehicle, according to police. Steward was struck in the head and the thigh, and the teenager was hit in the foot, police said. The teen was treated and released Sunday from St. Joe’s.

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Benton said it was unclear whether Steward and the teenager were with the group that had gathered near the intersection or were simply passing by. He said police believe the shooting may have been gang related.

Benton said more than one vehicle was observed in the area around the time of the shooting. Police have not been able to confirm which vehicle was involved in the incident, he said.

“We weren’t able to get a very good statement from anyone who was there,” he said, adding that the group quickly scattered as the shots rang out.

Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact Det. Diehl with the investigations division at 815-724-3020. Tips can also be left anonymously with CrimeStoppers at 800-323-6734.

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