A front-porch argument on Joliet's Nicholson Street turned deadly Friday afternoon when a man was shot just steps from the doorway and later died at the hospital, according to police.
Investigators say 60-year-old Lyndon B. Hunt had been on the front porch of a home in the 200-block of Nicholson Street when the dispute escalated. Hunt reportedly stepped off the porch into the front yard, where he was shot. Officers say he was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center in critical condition and was pronounced dead later Friday evening.
Police say the suspected shooter, 58-year-old Willis Ellis, stayed at the scene and called 911. According to officers, Ellis knew Hunt before the confrontation. A handgun was recovered in the yard when officers arrived just after 4:30 p.m. Friday, and Ellis was taken into custody for questioning.
After speaking with detectives at the Joliet Police Department, Ellis was transported to Silver Cross Hospital for treatment of a preexisting medical condition. Authorities say he remains hospitalized under police guard. Ellis is currently charged with aggravated battery with a firearm while the case continues to move through the system, as reported by ABC7 Chicago.
Police ask for footage and witnesses
Detectives are still piecing together what led up to the shooting and say they want to hear from anyone who was in the area Friday afternoon.
Investigators are asking residents and businesses nearby to check doorbell, security, or cellphone video and to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020 if they have images or information, according to the City of Joliet.
People who prefer to stay anonymous can call Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit tips online at Crime Stoppers of Will County.
What the charge means
For now, Ellis faces a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm, and prosecutors with the Will County State's Attorney's Office are reviewing the investigation to decide whether to file additional counts once they have the full case in front of them, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Under Illinois law, aggravated battery with a firearm is an enhanced offense that can be prosecuted as a Class X felony, a category that carries the potential for lengthy prison terms, according to the Illinois General Assembly.
Violence in Joliet this year
The case adds to a troubling run of serious violence in Joliet this year. In January, a double homicide claimed the lives of a woman and a child, a killing that detectives are still working to fully explain, as detailed by Shaw Local.
In April, a multi-victim shooting at the Larkin Village apartments left several people wounded, an incident that drew heavy police response when gunfire rocked Joliet's Larkin Village apartments. After those incidents, police repeatedly urged residents to check private camera systems and share anything that might help solve the cases.
As for Friday's front-lawn shooting, detectives are still interviewing witnesses and coordinating with hospital staff and prosecutors to lock down the sequence of events. This story will be updated as additional charges are filed or court dates are set.
