Willis Ellis

The Joliet Police Department has been notified by the WillCounty State’s Attorney’s Office that Willis Ellis has been charged with three counts of First Degree Murder following a court appearance earlier today.

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On May 8, 2026, at 4:38 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Nicholson Street for a report of a man who had been shot.

Upon arrival, officers located a 60-year-old man in the front yard who 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.

As officers arrived on scene, they encountered a man later identified as Willis Ellis (58, Joliet). It was determined that Ellis had also called 9-1-1 and reported that he had shot someone. 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.

Following a review of the investigation, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm against Ellis.

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 in the evening, the Joliet Police Department was notified that the victim had been pronounced 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.

This case remains under review by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. Anyone with video footage or information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit a tip online at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.