On February 8, 2024, a fatal shooting occurred in Lockport Township, Illinois, resulting in the death of James Berry, a 52-year-old resident of Lockport. The incident happened around 7 p.m. when Berry and a 55-year-old man returned to a residence in the 200 block of Riverview Avenue after a trip to a local grocery store. As they approached the front door, an unknown person, later identified as Jaron Nabors Jr., began firing shots at them.
Berry was found lying on the ground near the other victim, who was discovered lying near the front door of the house. Both men were taken to the hospital, where Berry succumbed to his injuries. The 55-year-old man underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition, later reported to be paralyzed from the waist down.
The investigation by the Will County Sheriff's Office revealed that Nabors, 24, was the perpetrator of the shooting. Nabors was already wanted on a no-bond arrest warrant in an unrelated case. He was identified as a person of interest and was apprehended by the Will County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Warrants Unit in Joliet Township on Wednesday following the incident. During his arrest, Nabors attempted to flee but was captured without incident. A Glock 34 9mm handgun, later confirmed to be the weapon used in the shooting, was found in Nabors' hoodie.
Nabors was charged with the murder of James Berry and was being held at the Will County Adult Detention Facility ahead of his initial court appearance. Initial statements made by Nabors regarding his involvement with the gun were found to be false.
The shooting is described as an apparent ambush, with witnesses reporting five or six gunshots being fired in front of the house. The motive behind the shooting and any potential connection between Nabors and the victims are not detailed in the available reports.
