Murder Victim's Memorial Destroyed Twice, Joliet Police Arrest 1
JOLIET — Not everyone is happy that a memorial was set up in Joliet in the 400 block of Krakar Avenue where Fernando Contreras lost his life to gun and gang violence June 1st. According to court records, two well-known Joliet Latin Kings who have been connected to several other violent crimes in recent years, John “Johnny Junior” Hernandez and Elian Raya, are in Will County’s Jail, each facing first-degree murder charges for ending the life of Contreras, who was 23.
This past week, Joliet police charged a third person in connection with the homicide, but it’s a very unusual set of circumstances.
According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, 28-year-old Elwood resident Matthew MacDonald was arrested and later released on a Notice to Appear on charges of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.
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On July 7, at 8:23 p.m., Joliet police responded to a residence in the 400 block of Krakar Avenue for criminal damage to property. Officers learned that on two occasions, July 3 and again on July 7, an unknown heavy-set male showed up at the house and damaged a memorial that had been set up for Fernando Contreras, a victim of a recent homicide at this location. The culprit damaged candles and flowers.
As this investigation progressed, MacDonald was identified as the suspect in both incidents, English noted.
Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
MacDonald was placed into custody without incident on July 9, at 6:19 p.m., following a traffic stop at Chicago Street near Wallace Street.
Related Joliet Patch coverage:
2 Latin Kings Murder Vice Lord’s Acquaintance In Joliet: Glasgow
Joliet Killer Taken Off The Street, John Hernandez Captured: Police
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