On December 23, 2024, at approximately 12:01 a.m., Morris Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence in the 600 block of Armstrong Street in Morris, Illinois. Upon arrival, officers found 25-year-old James D. Arellano suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to Morris Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:12 a.m.
The initial investigation revealed that the 911 call was made by a woman who reported that a man had shot her friend. Authorities determined that the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jerrell Blake of Morris, had a prior relationship with the female caller. Blake fled the scene before police arrived but was located approximately 30 minutes later in the 200 block of West Washington Street. He was detained and transported to the Morris Police Department for questioning.
Following an investigation by Morris detectives, the Grundy County State's Attorney's Office approved first-degree murder charges against Blake. He was subsequently booked into the Grundy County Jail. The Morris Police Department continued to search the area between the 600 block of Armstrong and the 200 block of West Washington to locate further evidence and surveillance video. Residents and businesses in the vicinity were urged to review their surveillance footage between 11:50 p.m. and 12:45 a.m. for any suspicious activity and to report any findings to the police.
The incident remains under investigation by the Grundy County Coroner’s Office and the Morris Police Department. An autopsy for Arellano was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the motive or circumstances leading up to the shooting. Community members are encouraged to provide any additional information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
