Joliet Murder Solved With 17-Year-Old's Arrest: Chief Evans

JOLIET, IL — On Friday, Joliet Police Department revealed that 17-year-old Markham resident Jaquan Blalock has been captured and charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the May 30 killing of Joliet 16-year-old Antoine Shopshire.

Shopshire was gunned down in the street in the 400 block of South Joliet Street, near McDonough Street, on Joliet's southeast side. In the days after the killing, on June 2, 150 people attended a balloon release and prayer vigil in memory of the murder victim, including Joliet's new Mayor Terry D'Arcy.

Turns out, Joliet Police Detective Ray Jansma obtained the arrest warrant for the Markham murder suspect back on Sept. 15. The Will County court document was sealed and off-limits to the public while Joliet police detectives tried for several weeks to capture Blalock without success.

Then, on Thursday, Blalock was captured. The 17-year-old was found in the 17000 block of Longfellow Avenue in Hazel Crest by members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Will County Fugitive Task Force.

On Friday, he was brought back to Joliet, and he's staying at the River Valley Justice Center, Joliet Police Sgt. Dwayne English announced. He's being held without bond.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on our young people, their families, and our entire community," Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans remarked in Friday's press release. "We must remember that violence only begets more violence, and we share the responsibility with our community to work towards a safer Joliet. I’m very thankful for the tireless efforts of our Detectives and Officers who worked to bring this criminal to justice.

"I also wish to thank the Will County State’s Attorney Office, US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Will County Fugitive Task Force for their assistance in this case."