Coroner Identifies Man, Woman Killed In Halloween Party Shooting

JOLIET, IL — At least two people died, four victims were critically injured and at least 12 people suffered gunshot wounds during a backyard house party in the 1000 block of East Jackson Street in Joliet Township, according to Will County's Sheriff's Office.

On Monday morning, the Will County Coroner's Office identified the two people killed as Holly Matthews and Jonathan Ceballos, both 22 and from Joliet. According to ABC, Matthews was studying to be an arborist at Joliet Junior College and just got engaged two weeks ago. Ceballos was remembered by a friend as a talented athlete and straight-A student.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office said a Halloween party was being held at the home at 1018 E. Jackson Street.

The shooting occurred outside the residence near a DJ booth that was set up in the backyard. Initial estimates indicate there were close to 200 people attending the party, which was across the street from Ridgewood Park.

Witnesses told detectives there were two shooters at the party, according to the Will County Sheriff's office. The shooting occurred from an elevated position on a porch looking down over the crowd. The first shooter is described as an average sized, Hispanic male with facial hair, wearing a red hoodie, a black flat-billed hat and dark pants. The second shooter is described as an average sized, light-skinned Black man or Hispanic man wearing a yellow hoodie and ski mask.

The Will County Sheriff's Office announced on its Facebook page that a patrol sergeant with the Will County Sheriff’s Office heard 10 to 12 gunshots at 12:39 a.m. in the area of Jackson Street and Walnut Street in Joliet Township.

The sergeant saw more than 100 people fleeing, running eastbound on Jackson Street. The sergeant learned the shooting occurred at 1018 E. Jackson Street in the backyard of the house.

While sheriff’s office personnel were on scene, additional shots were heard in the immediate area. More than a dozen people were injured by gunfire and transported to local hospitals.

In addition, the Will County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two victims died at the scene.

Will County Sheriff's officials issued the following statement on Facebook:

Four more victims were transported to local area hospitals with life-threatening injuries. The identities of the two victims are being withheld at this time, until family members can be notified.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office is trying to identify people who attended the Halloween party. Anyone who has information, cellphone pictures or video of the party, or potential suspect information, is urged to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office Detective Danielle Strohm at 815-727-8574 at extension 4930. You can also contact her by email at dstrohm@willcosheriff.org. Those who wish to remain anonymous are urged to submit a tip on the Will County Sheriff’s website at www.willcosheriff.org/enforcement/submit-a-crime-tip, or on the Will County Sheriff’s Office App available on iOS and Android platforms. You can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers by telephone at 800-323-6734, or by computer at www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/submit-a-tip/

Joliet resident Bob Hernandez was the first person at the scene to report on the crime. He produced one of his Facebook Live videos.

"I was told by one of my followers they heard over 30 shots fired, and it was at a party which they heard involved rival gangs," Hernandez posted on Facebook.

Related Joliet Patch coverage: Joliet Mass Shooting: Some Victims, Witnesses Uncooperative