On October 5, 2024, Everett T. Cole Jr., a 42-year-old resident of Joliet, Illinois, was fatally shot at a residence on the east side of Joliet. The incident occurred at approximately 3:49 p.m. when Joliet police responded to a report of shots fired in the 800 block of Wenberg Street. Upon arrival, officers found Cole lying near the entrance of the house at 830 Wenberg Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach.
Despite immediate medical assistance from the officers and subsequent transport to Silver Cross Hospital by the Joliet Fire Department, Cole was pronounced dead at 4:38 p.m..
The investigation revealed that Cole had driven to the location with his 65-year-old father, Everett T. Cole Sr., who remained in the car while Cole went into the house. Before entering, Cole mentioned to his father that he was going to 830 Wenberg Street and that he was "gonna have a gun." Minutes later, Cole Sr. heard several gunshots. Witnesses reported seeing four people running from the house and attempting to get into a gray Kia Forte, which they abandoned when it would not start. They then ran southbound along Cass Street.
Kendrick Pullen, a 21-year-old resident of Chicago, was identified as the suspect in Cole's murder. Pullen was taken into custody by Joliet police on October 9, 2024. According to court documents, Pullen initially provided inconsistent accounts but eventually admitted to being at the residence when the shooting occurred. He stated that he heard shouting outside, saw Cole being aggressive towards a woman, and followed Cole upstairs after Cole told everyone to leave the house. Pullen claimed he grabbed a gun near the chimney area and shot Cole three to four times after Cole reached towards his right hip.
The motive behind the shooting is partly attributed to the volatile behavior of Everett Cole Jr. in the hours leading up to his death. Witnesses provided affidavits detailing how Cole had made them fear for their lives due to his aggressive and intoxicated behavior. Cole had also been involved in a violent incident just a week prior, where he attacked his landlord and a maintenance worker, leading to his arrest on charges of aggravated battery and battery.
Pullen was charged with first-degree murder and initially held in the Will County Jail. However, he was later granted pre-trial release by Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak, with the condition that he must stay away from Will County unless it pertains to his ongoing court proceedings.
