WCSO Press Releases

The Will County Sheriff Office is announcing that Kaitlyn Kearns, age 24, of Mokena has been found.  After an overnight search by Sheriff’s detectives, Kaitlyn’s 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee was located in a rural area of Kankakee County.  Kaitlyn was discovered deceased at the scene. 

The Kankakee County Coroner’s Office is performing an autopsy and has positively identified the victim as Kaitlyn Kearns.  They have confirmed that Kaitlyn suffered from a single gunshot wound to her head.  Further toxicology and lab results will be made public upon completion.

Kaitlyn Kearns was reported missing on 11/14/17.  She was last seen 11/13/17 at Woody’s bar, 1008 E. Washington Street in Joliet, at 1:30am, where she was a bartender.  Sheriff’s detectives continue to actively investigate her death and will provide more information as it becomes available.  Detectives believe that there is no threat to the community and that Kaitlyn was the intended target of this homicide. 

Anyone with any information surrounding Kaitlyn's death is asked to call the Sheriff's Investigation Division at 815-727-8574; or the Sheriff's dispatch center at 815-727-8575. An anonymous tip can also be sent to crimestoppersofwillcounty.org

Update (11:43am):   The Will County Sheriff’s Office is confirming that the Sheriff’s SWAT team executed a search warrant at the Outlaws Clubhouse, 1915 E. Washington Street in Joliet, around 10am this morning.  This warrant is part of the active, ongoing investigation into the homicide of Kaitlyn Kearns. 

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 3:00pm:  The Will County Sheriff's Office has been notified from Patrick O'Neil, Will County Coroner, that the cause of death regarding this mornings discovery of a burned body is being ruled as a single gunshot wound to the head.  The victim has been identified as a male subject, however his identity remains unknown at this time.  The Coroner is using dental records to positively identify the individual.

This morning, at about midnight, the Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Patterson Road and Brandon Road in Joliet Township regarding a burning vehicle.  East Joliet Fire responded and extinguished the fully engulfed 2016 Dodge Charger.  Fire personnel notified deputies at the scene that they discovered a body in the trunk that was burned beyond recognition. 

This incident is being ruled as an active homicide investigation.  Sheriff's Office detectives are asking the public if they may have seen or heard anything in this area to please contact the Sheriff's Investigation Division at:  815-727-8574.   -end-

The Will County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help from the public for any information regarding the whereabouts of Tariq J. Pinnick, age 19, of Riverview Avenue in Lockport.  A warrant was issued for his arrest yesterday at the Will County Courthouse for First Degree murder in the death of Dylan Somma.

Will County Sheriff’s detectives believe that Pinnick shot Somma on January 13, 2016, outside a residence on the 200 block of Barry Avenue in Lockport Township.   Somma suffered one gunshot wound to his chest.  He was transported to Silver Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The Will County Coroner’s Office ruled cause of death was from a single gunshot wound.   

We are asking the public if you have any information to go to our website, www.willcosheriff.org, and “Submit a Crime Tip” or call the Will County Sheriff’s Office at 815-727-8575.  You may also go to www.crimestoppersofwillcounty.com and “Submit a Tip”.

 All calls/information will remain anonymous.

*PHOTO ATTACHED

Will County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Barry Avenue, Lockport Township, in reference to shots fired, at 11:10pm, January 13, 2016.  Upon arrival deputies found a male subject, later identified as Dylan Somma, age 22, of Romeoville, unresponsive in the front yard of a residence.  Lockport Township Fire was called to the scene, transported Somma to Silver Cross Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

Sheriff’s deputies and detectives secured the scene and transported several witnesses to the Sheriff’s Investigation Division to be interviewed.  At this time it appears that Somma was in the area to purchase drugs when an altercation took place.  Somma suffered one gunshot wound to the chest.  No one is in custody at this time.

Will County Coroner's Office scheduled an autopsy for 10am today.   This remains an open and active investigation.   -end-

On Thursday, 1/7/16 at approximately 10:52pm, Will County Sheriff's deputies were called to a residence on the 1700 block of Houston Avenue in Joliet Township regarding an unresponsive subject.  Upon arrival deputies found a male white, age 62, of the Houston Avenue residence, in the driveway with considerable trauma.  East Joliet Fire personnel arrived, along with the Will County Coroner's Office.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An individual who lives in the home advised deputies that they heard the victim having a conversation with someone outside, then heard a loud noise.  The individual went outside and discovered the victim laying on the ground unresponsive.

At this time there are no suspects and the investigation is ongoing.  An autopsy is scheduled for this morning to determine cause of death.   -end-