Joliet teen charged in deadly shooting of 13-year-old

A 15-year-old boy will be charged as a juvenile instead of an adult in connection with the first-degree murder of a 13-year-old boy who was shot twice and left for dead in an alley in Joliet.

On Wednesday, Joliet police officials announced the arrest of the 15-year-old boy about 44 hours after they first responded Monday to the fatal shooting of Manuel Mejia Perez, 13, of Joliet.

The 15-year-old will face a charge of first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon as a juvenile, which is why police officials have not named him.

“The investigation has revealed that there was one shooter. This investigation remains active, and for this reason, I cannot provide more information,” Joliet Police Sgt. Tizoc Landeros said.

Representatives with Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s office declined to comment on the case Wednesday.

At 4:42 p.m. Monday, officers responded to the shooting of Mejia Perez and found his body in the rear alley with gunshot wounds. He showed no signs of life after an evaluation by paramedics.

“Detectives determined that the victim and the 15-year-old arrestee were known to one another and had been involved in an ongoing personal dispute,” Joliet Police Sgt. Dwayne English said.

The evidence indicated that Mejia Perez was shot twice during the confrontation, English said.

The investigation led officers to take the 15-year-old boy into custody Tuesday in the 600 block of Benton Street in Joliet on charges of aggravated battery, mob action and disorderly conduct.

Those charges stemmed from an incident May 6, but police officials wouldn’t provide further details on that incident.

“The [May 6] incident is an active investigation, and for this reason I cannot provide more information,” Landeros said.

After questioning the 15-year-old about the homicide of Mejia Perez, the charges against him were approved by the state’s attorney’s office. The 15-year-old was then booked at the Joliet Police Department and taken to River Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Joliet.

“I am so thankful for every officer and detective who gave so much of themselves to this investigation.”

—  Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans

Mejia Perez was an eighth-grade student at Thompson Instructional Center, and he was supposed to graduate Tuesday, said Sandy Zalewski, a spokeswoman for Joliet Public Schools District 86.

District 86 Superintendent Theresa Rouse said the district is “heartbroken by the tragic death of Manuel.”

“Social workers and counselors were available to support students and staff members who have been affected by this senseless loss,” Rouse said. “Our hearts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Mejia Perez family, and all who knew him, during this incredibly difficult time.”

Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy said he was “heartbroken to learn of the senseless shooting” that claimed Mejia Perez’s life.

On Tuesday, the Joliet City Council held a moment of silence for Mejia Perez and his family. D’Arcy said the city needs to “get our arms around the young people in our community.”

“I’m going to want to meet with some of the school leaders and talk about what can we do with some of the facilities we have. We need to give these kids something to do. And that’ll be a mission that I think we all need to get on, as to try and help raise the kids like a village,” D’Arcy said.

In a statement, Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said he wanted Mejia Perez’s loved ones to know they have the full support of the police department “during this incredibly painful time.”

“I am so thankful for every officer and detective who gave so much of themselves to this investigation,” Evans said. “Since the moment this tragedy unfolded, many of our detectives have worked around the clock, driven by determination, compassion and a commitment to justice. Their tireless efforts led to this arrest, and I could not be prouder of their work.”

Evans also thanked Glasgow’s office for its “vital assistance in charging this case.”

Evans said that although nothing can “undo this tragedy,” the police department hopes the 15-year-old’s arrest brings “some measure of comfort” for Mejia Perez’s family and provides a “path forward toward healing.”

“We will continue to walk that path with you,” Evans said.