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Judge allows pretrial release in Will County murder cold case

Gilbert Bernal, 82, of Michigan, with his attorney, Dave Carlson, during a court hearing on Jan. 28, 2026 at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet.

Gilbert Bernal, 82, of Michigan, with his attorney, Dave Carlson, during a court hearing on Jan. 28, 2026 at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. (Felix Sarver)

By Felix Sarver

A Will County judge on Tuesday allowed the pretrial release of Gilbert Bernal, 82, who is charged with the 1988 murder of his wife, Joan Bernal, 34.

Bernal is charged with first-degree murder of his wife in Joliet Township. Joan Bernal went missing that year, and she has never been found.

This is a developing story. Check back again for further updates.

JolietWill CountyCrime and CourtsLocal NewsWill County SheriffJoliet TownshipCriminal JusticeSAFE-T ActBreakingShaw Local Front Headlines
Felix Sarver

Felix Sarver

Felix Sarver covers crime and courts for The Herald-News