Joanie Balogun, a 37-year-old African American woman and mother of three, was tragically found shot to death on April 26, 2018, in Matteson, Illinois. The incident occurred around 11:50 p.m. when police discovered her slumped over the steering wheel of her black van, which was stopped in the median near the Menards on 216th Street. Joanie had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and her death was pronounced at 12:35 a.m. the following day at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide.
Joanie Balogun was on her way home from work and had stopped to pick up a late dinner for her children. According to her son, Alvin McCranie, she had returned to the restaurant to retrieve an item that was missing from her order. This was the last time her family heard from her. The police found five bullet holes in her van and five shell casings about 110 yards south of the scene. Despite the efforts of the Matteson police detectives and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, there were almost no leads or information to go on initially.
The investigation into Joanie Balogun's death has been challenging. Authorities have been seeking information about a dark gray, four-door sedan that might have been involved in the shooting. Her family, including her siblings and three children, have been desperate for closure. Her brother, Anthony Larkins, expressed hope that someone might have heard or seen something that could help the investigation. Her sister, Keayona Larkins, pleaded for the public's assistance, emphasizing the family's need for answers and justice.
As of now, there have been no arrests or suspects publicly identified in connection with Joanie Balogun's murder. The case remains open, and the Matteson police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. The lack of progress in the investigation has left Joanie's family in a state of anguish, longing for the closure that only justice can bring.
