On December 2, 2014, 17-year-old Tariq Purnell, a Black male from Joliet, Illinois, was tragically killed in a shooting incident. The incident occurred in the 400-block of Strong Avenue in Joliet, where Purnell and another victim, 30-year-old Keon Kelly, were ambushed in a driveway around 5:30 p.m. Purnell was pronounced dead at the scene, while Kelly, a father of four from Lockport, was taken to Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A third victim, an unidentified man, was shot in the backside and transported to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment.
The investigation into the deaths of Tariq Purnell and Keon Kelly revealed that the victims were ambushed, but the motive behind the shooting remained unclear. The police collected evidence and conducted interviews with potential witnesses, but no concrete leads were immediately available. Deputy Chief Alan Roechner mentioned that while some people had come forward with information, nothing substantial had emerged from the interviews at that time.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests were made in connection with the shooting. The lack of suspects and the absence of a clear motive made the investigation challenging. Family members of Tariq Purnell expressed their grief and frustration over the loss of a young life. Purnell's sister described him as a good kid who loved his nieces and stayed out of trouble. His cousin, Sylvania Shade, emphasized the senselessness of the violence and the pain of losing a loved one in such a manner.
The deaths of Tariq Purnell and Keon Kelly were classified as homicides, and autopsies were conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The community of Joliet was left in shock and mourning, as the tragic incident highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area. The investigation continued, with the hope that new information would eventually lead to justice for the victims and their families.
