JOLIET, Ill. — A 29-year-old man has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of a Joliet mother and her 4-year-old son over the weekend.
According to Joliet police, officers responded just before 7 a.m. Sunday to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in the 700 block of Garnsey Avenue. Responding officers found 36-year-old Joselynn Diaz Garcia and her young son in the backyard, both suffering apparent gunshot wounds.
911 callers reported seeing a shirtless man throw a gun near nearby train tracks while fleeing. Officers later located the suspect, Joseph D. Johnson, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his ankle and the firearm nearby.
Johnson was taken to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood for treatment. Police confirmed Wednesday that he has been formally charged with six counts of first-degree murder. Once medically cleared, Johnson will be transferred to the Will County Jail.
A 9-year-old boy with special needs was found unharmed inside the home. Police believe he is also Garcia’s son.
Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
