Joliet man charged with murder of woman, 4-year-old boy

Shaw Local

A Joliet man has been charged with the first-degree murder of a 36-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy who died Sunday on Garnsey Avenue.

On Wednesday, Joliet police officials announced the charges against 29-year-old Joseph Johnson.

“Johnson remains hospitalized under police guard at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood. Upon his release from medical care, Johnson will be transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility,” Joliet police officials said.

A Joliet Police Department squad vehicle on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in the 700 block of Garnsey Avenue in Joliet in response to a homicide investigation. (Felix Sarver)

Johnson is charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Joselynn Diaz-Garcia, 36, and 4-year-old Gianni Reyes.

The case remains under investigation.

“On behalf of the Joliet Police Department, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and to everyone in our community who is touched by this awful and unnecessary act of violence,” Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said.

Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans addresses the media regarding the investigation into the shooting deaths of 36-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo by Bob Okon)

He said he is “incredibly proud” of the officers, detectives and dispatchers who “acted swiftly and professionally” under “heartbreaking circumstances.”

“We will continue to seek justice while surrounding this family and our city with compassion and support,” Evans said.