Joliet Township

Joliet Township Shooting: Police Seek to Talk to All Who Attended Halloween Party

While the investigation remains underway, it's believed the shooting was gang-related, authorities said

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As police continued to investigate a Halloween party shooting that killed two people and injured nine others in Joliet Township, investigators issued a plea Monday for each person who attended the party to come forward.

Authorities are asking that everyone who was at the party call 815-727-8574 and speak with a detective regarding the incident, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators were also seeking video, social media communications and any additional information that may assist in the investigation into the early morning shooting on Halloween.

The shooting occurred at approximately 12:39 a.m. Sunday when two men opened fire into a crowd of approximately 200 people that had gathered at a backyard party in the area of Jackson and Walnut streets.

Residents initially invited friends using social media, police explained, but the invitation spread and attracted numerous people who weren't associated with the hosts.

The crowd scattered moments after shots erupted, ultimately resulting in some people being injured in the chaos.

Two people were fatally shot and more than a dozen others sustained injured when shots erupted early Sunday at a Halloween party in Joliet Township. NBC 5's Lexi Sutter reports.

Holly Matthews and Jonathan Ceballos, both 22, both died from their injuries, according to the Will County Coroner's Office.

A total of nine people were transported to the hospital with injuries including gunshot wounds and others sustained fleeing the scene.

As of Monday, three people remained in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries while a fourth person was said to be in critical condition, according to law enforcement.

Five people had been treated and released.

Prior to the shooting, a Will County sheriff's deputy responded to noise complaints in the area, but didn't receive any calls originating from where the party took place.

The deputy remained in the area, and when shots were fired, responded to the scene immediately, according to police.

While the investigation remains underway, it's believed the shooting was gang-related. Detectives have collected a "substantial amount" of evidence, police stated, and continue to interview witnesses, but say some have been uncooperative.

"...With the amount of attendees at this party, we are most certain that several people know who committed this atrocious and deadly shooting," sheriff's authorities added." The Sheriff’s Office is imploring those people to come forward in order to bring justice to the survivors, deceased victims, and their families."

Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office at 815-727-8575. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can also reach out to Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734.

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