Police: Man shot girlfriend in Joliet apartment

JOLIET - A Chicago man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after allegedly shooting his girlfriend Monday in her Joliet apartment.

Deputy Chief Al Roechner said police responded at 8:52 a.m. to 363 N. Broadway after neighbors called 911.

"Residents heard (a man) yelling 'I shot her.' Responding officers were met at the stairwell by Jasper J. Johnson, 31, who said he'd shot his girlfriend accidentally," Roechner said. "He then led them to her apartment."

The 30-year-old woman was taken to Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Will County Coroner Patrick K. O'Neil said Tuesday afternoon "cardiac death" has yet to occur, but sources indicate she is brain dead.

Johnson, however, was booked into the Will County jail at 10:44 p.m. Monday on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Roechner said no one else lived with the victim or was at the apartment. A gun was recovered by police.

Roechner said Jasper Johnson was interviewed by detectives. After the case was reviewed by the Will County State's Attorney's office Johnson was charged.

"This is still an active investigation and the charge could change as more information develops," Roechner said Tuesday. Police records indicate the couple had "prior domestic issues," Roechner noted.