Joliet's Latest Slaying: This Time It's On Nicholson Street And 58-Year-Old Man Is Under Police Guard

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department issued a press release on Saturday revealing that Friday afternoon's shooting on Nicholson Street turned deadly and that Willis Ellis was captured and arrested for the slaying.

According to police spokesman Dwayne English, at 4:38 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Nicholson Street for a man who had been shot. Upon arrival, the officers found the 60-year-old man in the front yard. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Officers immediately rendered medical aid until Joliet Fire Department paramedics arrived. The victim was then transported to St. Joseph Medical Center in critical
condition, according to English's account.

As officers arrived on scene, they encountered 58-year-old Willis Ellis. Ellis had also called 911 and reported he had shot someone, English announced.

Ellis was detained at the scene and transported to the Joliet Police Department for questioning. A handgun was recovered at the scene. Officers and detectives secured the scene and conducted a canvass of the area for additional evidence and information.

"A preliminary investigation indicates that the two men were known to one another and became involved in an argument on the porch of the residence. During the altercation, the victim stepped from the porch into the front yard, where the shooting occurred," English revealed.

Following a review of the investigation, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has approved one count of aggravated battery with a firearm against Ellis.

However, after being processed at the Joliet Police Department, Ellis was transported to Silver Cross Hospital by the Joliet Fire Department for treatment of a preexisting medical condition identified after being processed on the approved criminal charge. He remains hospitalized under police guard at this time.

Later on Friday evening, the Joliet Police Department was notified that the victim had dead at St. Joseph Medical Center. The victim’s identification and official manner of death will be determined by the Will County Coroner's Office, the Joliet police indicated.