Will County Sheriff Releases Photos From Unidentified Murder Victim

JOLIET, IL - The Will County Sheriff's Office needs your help in solving a baffling murder mystery that has hindered police investigators over the past week. On Thursday, Will County released a few photos showing a watch and a ring that were found on an unidentified man's body more than a week ago in Green Garden Township. On June 21, Will County Highway Department employees came across the body while mowing a ditch along Manhattan-Monee Road.

"Sheriff's Detectives are continuing their investigation, however, as of today they have no leads in their attempt in identifying the man," said Will County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer on Thursday.

More than a week after making the gruesome discovery, sheriff's officials remain slowed by the fact that they still do not know the victim's identity. An autopsy determined that the unidentified man suffered multiple gunshot wounds. His death was ruled a homicide. But, so far, little else is known about him or the circumstances leading up to his slaying.

The body was so badly decomposedthat Will County investigators remain unsure of the man's ethnicity.

At the time of his murder, the man wore size 8.5 Clarks-brand sandals. He had red shorts. He sported a Burberry watch and wore a gold ring believed to depict St. Jude.

The murder victim was around 5-foot-3 and had a 32-inch waist, sheriff's officials said.

The sheriff's department is optimistic that Thursday's photo release may jog someone's memory. It is critical for authorities to learn the victim's identity in hopes of tracking down the man's killer and making an arrest.

If you recognize the ring or watch, please call the Will County Sheriff's Office at 815-727-8574.

Images via Will County Sheriff's Office