Accused Joliet Child Murderer Joseph Johnson Finally Released From Hospital: Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — Exactly two weeks after a Joliet mother and her 4-year-old boy were killed on Garnsey Avenue, Joliet police issued a press release revealing that 29-year-old Joseph D. Johnson of University Park was released from medical care at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood earlier on Sunday morning.

Following his release, officers took Johnson to the Joliet Police Department, where he was processed on six counts of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths of Joselynn Diaz-Garcia and her 4-year-old son, Gianni Reyes, on Sunday, January 25, in the 700 block of Garnsey Avenue.

After processing, Johnson was transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility, where he is being held pending further court proceedings. A motive in this shooting remains unknown and is still under investigation by Joliet Police detectives, police spokesman Dwayne English noted.

At the Joliet Police Station press conference from two weeks ago, Chief Bill Evans revealed that at approximately 6:55 a.m. Jan. 25, officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area of Cleveland Avenue and Dillman Avenue. Callers also reported seeing a shirtless male discard a firearm while running near nearby train tracks.

Officers arrived at 718 Garnsey Ave., where they found a 29-year-old man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his ankle. This injury was believed to be self-inflicted, police said. Officers also discovered a 36-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy unresponsive outside in the backyard of the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.

During a search of the residence, officers found an 8-year-old boy with special needs unharmed in a bedroom. This child was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department as a precaution. The slain female victim was the mother to both of the children.

A gun was recovered at the scene. Spent shell casings recovered appear to match this same
firearm, Joliet police advised.