Dearis J. Evans, a 24-year-old African American male from Joliet, IL, was tragically shot and killed on October 17, 2019. The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. in the 800 block of Cora Street. Joliet Police responded to a call of shots fired and found Evans and another individual, a 19-year-old male, lying in an alley. The 19-year-old was unharmed, but Evans was critically injured and later pronounced dead at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet.
The Will County Coroner's Office confirmed that Evans died from a gunshot wound.
Evans had a history of legal troubles, including a 2015 conviction for dealing cocaine, for which he served a six-year prison sentence. At the time of his death, he was awaiting trial on charges of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Despite his criminal background, Evans had hired private counsel and was actively working to resolve his legal issues.
The investigation into Evans' murder revealed that he and the 19-year-old were inside a vehicle when the shooter opened fire. Joliet Police sought surveillance footage from the area to identify the suspect. In January 2020, court documents indicated that Terrell Fanniel, a 30-year-old male with a criminal record, was a person of interest in the case. Evidence related to Evans' murder was found during a raid on Fanniel's residence, including 9mm shell casings that matched those found at the crime scene.
The investigation into Dearis J. Evans' death is ongoing, with Joliet Police continuing to seek information and leads to bring the perpetrator to justice. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving violent crimes and the impact of such tragedies on the community.
