Coroner IDs Body Found in Trunk of Burning Car

Joliet Township, IL — The body found in the trunk of a burning car in Joliet Township early Thursday morning has been identified.

Joseph M. Jaquez, 31, of Claim Street in Aurora, was pronounced dead at 4:20 a.m. Thursday by the Will County Coroner’s Office. Preliminary autopsy results show a single bullet to the head was the cause of death.

Jaquez was found burnt beyond recognition in the trunk of a rented Dodge Charger that had been set on fire in the 1600 block of Patterson, police say. Dental records were used to positively identify him.

Police were originally called to the area of Patterson and Brandon roads in Joliet Township around midnight Thursday for a report of a car fire. The East Joliet Fire Department extinguished the fire and found the body in the trunk.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for any information on the whereabouts of Jaquez leading up to his death. If you heard or saw anything, call the Investigations Division at 815-727-8574.