Joliet's Murder On Metra Tracks Draws Attention To Nearby Property

JOLIET, IL — Last week's filing of first-degree murder charges against a homeless resident after the gruesome death of 60-year-old Steven Spangler along the train tracks shows why it's important to keep several downtown Joliet properties safe, according to Joliet City Council candidate Jim Lanham.

In the middle of the night, on Oct. 26, authorities discovered Spangler's body on the tracks. In the days ahead, Metra Police determined Spangler was pushed off the elevated walkway into the path of an oncoming train. He was hit by two different trains.

Spangler's homicide happened near the overpass on Eastern Avenue near 90 E. Jefferson St. Carlos Hernandez, 49, now faces a $1 million bail and first-degree murder charges as he remains locked away from society inside the Will County Jail.

In late September, Joliet Patch interviewed Lanham for a story drawing awareness to one of the most dangerous areas of downtown Joliet at that time: the overgrown berm on the west side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks. The property is across the street from Union Station.

Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans was also interviewed, saying the berm along the BNSF tracks had become an eyesore and a public safety concern.

Since Joliet Patch's article was published, Burlington Northern Santa Fe hired landscaping crews to remove all the brush.

Lanham, who works in downtown Joliet, said he is pleased the berm is safe again.

"BNSF came out, and they got a crew right on it, cut it down, they sprayed it, so hopefully this will be maintained like this," Lanham said. "I think it's pretty important the railroads, the utilities, Metra, Pace, all that stuff, keep the trees down, keep the weeds down, make sure the gates and fences are functional."

Referring to last week's murder arrest by Metra of the homeless man, Lanham remarked: "If they were able to access that platform at 3 a.m. because of a busted gate or lock, it's something that could have been prevented for a $5 padlock being on it or better hinges."

When weeds, trees and brush began growing out of control last summer along the steep berm in proximity to the Joliet Slammers baseball stadium, Lanham said that homeless people were known to hide in there, sharing their drug needles and consuming hard liquor.

"That's some of the evidence I've seen, empty bottles, drug paraphernalia, so yeah, it was a good idea getting this down," he said. "Just make it safer for commuters, the people that park down here, downtown employees. Joliet Central's right there, kids going back and forth. I think there's a grade school or two in this area, so let's keep the hazards to a minimum."

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Joliet Murder Victim Shoved Into Train's Path: Police

'The Frown On Downtown': Is BNSF Bringing Danger To Joliet?