Joliet Murder Victim Shoved Into Train's Path: Police

JOLIET, IL — Carlos Hernandez, a 49-year-old homeless man, is now in the Will County Jail facing murder charges in connection October's death of a 60-year-old Joliet man along the Metra train tracks in downtown Joliet.

The death of Steven Spangler was investigated by the Metra Police Department. Hernandez was booked into the jail very late Wednesday night and on Thursday, the homeless Joliet man learned that his bail was being set by a Will County judge at $1 million.

On Oct. 27, Joliet Patch reported that Spangler was killed by two different trains and that he may have been pushed into the tracks. Authorities have said that Spangler was struck by a freight train at 3:40 a.m. on Oct. 26 and then hit by a second train that was not able to stop in time.

The homicide happened near the overpass on Eastern Avenue near 90 E. Jefferson St. Spangler was found dead at the scene.

According to his obituary from Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Spangler was raised in the Channahon and Minooka area, and he graduated from Minooka Community High School. Spangler used to work for Buy Rite Furniture in Joliet for a number of years.

"Although like many of us, he had his flaws, but he will be most remembered by his family and friends as a kind-hearted soul who would give you the shirt off his back," his obituary noted. "Steve loved fishing withe Deanna and being a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. May you rest in peace, Steve."