A man from South Chicago Heights, identified as Willie Banks, has been charged and transferred from the hospital to the Will County Adult Detention Facility for the murder of a 40-year-old Joliet woman. The charges against Banks include three counts of First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, Unlawful Use or Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, and Violation of Bail Bond.

The arrest took place at a residence in the 1100 block of Westshire Drive on December 13, 2023, following an incident where Banks forcibly entered the victim’s home and shot her. The victim, identified as Alicia Cole, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Will County Coroner’s Office. Law enforcement recovered a handgun at the crime scene.

After apprehending Banks, the Joliet Fire Department transported him to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center due to an injury he sustained while breaking a window. Banks was released from the hospital and subsequently transferred to the Joliet Police Department before being processed and moved to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

The Will County State’s Attorney Office reviewed the case and approved the charges against Banks. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and friends, condemning the act of violence. Chief Evans commended the swift response of the officers, detectives, and evidence technicians involved in the investigation and thanked the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance.

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On December 13, 2023, at 10:39 PM, law enforcement received a 911 call from a female resident in the 1100 block of Westshire Drive, reporting a male attempting to forcefully enter her home. Upon arrival, officers found a broken window and a male inside the residence. The male cooperated with the officers and was detained at the scene.

Upon further investigation, officers discovered a 40-year-old female victim in the bathroom who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The male suspect, later identified as a 47-year-old, was believed to have forcibly entered the residence through the front door. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Will County Coroner’s Office. Detectives and officers secured the crime scene and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area.

The male suspect was taken to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department for treatment of an injury sustained while breaking the window. He is currently under police guard at the hospital, and his identity is being withheld pending charges.

This isolated incident is believed to be domestic in nature. The Will County Coroner’s Office will determine the victim’s identity and the exact cause of death. Detectives continue to actively investigate the case, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.