Joliet Township Murder Victim Being Laid To Rest

JOLIET, IL - Family and friends of Crest Hill resident Nathan Ballard will gather Sunday at the Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home on Roosevelt Road to remember the 20-year-old shooting victim who was killed last weekend during a robbery in Joliet Township near the Belmont AC baseball park.

Ballard's shooting was witnessed by several people, according to the Will County Sheriff's Department. By the next day, the Will County Sheriff's Department announced the arrests of Joliet residents Elijah Watson, 20, and Anthony Francimore, 23, on first-degree murder charges.

"Nathan's family would like to extend their gratitude to the Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley and all the deputies and detectives including their colleagues in Chicago that worked so tirelessly to bring justice to those involved," his obituary states.

Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, the sheriff's department responded to the 500 block of Fox Street where authorities found Ballard face down on the roadway. Police have said Watson and Francimore both confessed to their involvement in the robbery and killing.

Both defendants are now being held at the Will County Jail on a $5 million bail.

According to the funeral home, "Nathan was very close to his dog and dear companion Autumn “Green Eyes” Ballard."

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrance.

A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at the Chapel Hills Garden West Cemetery.

To read the full obituary for Nathan Ballard go here.

Original story: 2 Confess To Joliet Township Murder Near Belmont: Sheriff

Image of Nathan Ballard via Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home