Arrest Made In Joliet Slaying Of Maya Smith: $5 Million Bail Set

JOLIET, IL — Last weekend's fatal shooting of 24-year-old mother Maya Smith in Joliet has been solved with the arrest of 47-year-old Bolingbrook resident Jermaine Mandley, a source told Joliet Patch's editor on Tuesday night.

Mandley, who was described by the source as having an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with Smith, was captured around 6 p.m. Tuesday by the FBI's fugitive task force on the southeast side of Chicago, and he was brought back to the Joliet Police Station for processing on Tuesday night.

Mandley was booked into the Will County Jail at 9:30 p.m.

"During an extensive investigation by Joliet Police Detectives, Mandley was quickly identified as the suspect in this case," Joliet police officials announced. On Monday, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved filing three counts of first-degree murder and a Will County Judge set bail at $5 million.

Smith was fatally shot several times inside her car, while her 2-year-old daughter was in the backseat of the vehicle. The child was not harmed, and the killer got away from the scene before Joliet police officers learned of the gruesome crime in an alley in the 1200 block of Clement Street.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Joliet's Police Department confirmed the news of Mandley's capture.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Smith. In my 28 years in law enforcement, this is one of the most heinous acts that I’ve encountered," Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans announced in the press release.

"I’m extremely proud of our detectives who have worked around the clock to bring this coward to justice. I hope this quick arrest provides comfort to the family of Ms. Smith during a time of such unspeakable loss. Thank you to our law enforcement partners for their cooperation during this investigation.”

The motive for Joliet's first homicide of the year is still being investigated.

Will County court records indicate a different woman took out an order of protection against Mandley in May 2020. In March 2022, a third woman also sought a protection order against Mandley, but was denied.

After Saturday's late-night homicide, Mandley got a ride from a friend and went to their house, and then he got an Uber to get home to Bolingbrook, the source indicated.

Smith's family told Patch they had been notified of Tuesday night's arrest.

"We are glad the suspect has been apprehended. This was a senseless crime! Our community is safer. We thank the police for their hard work," Maya Smith's aunt, Bonnie Winfrey, wrote Joliet Patch's editor.

More Joliet Patch coverage from Tuesday:

'No One Deserved To Be Treated This Way' Joliet Victim's Family Says