First-degree murder charge filed in Will County shaken baby case

December 13

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that a charge of first-degree murder has been filed against a Lockport teenager in connection with the death of a 2-month-old child.

The charge against Jon Karlson, 17, of 1120 S. Hamilton, Lockport, was filed late Thursday afternoon. Judge Roger Rickmon set bond on an arrest warrant at $2 million. Karlson must post 10 percent or $200,000 to secure his release while awaiting trial.

The murder charge alleges that Karlson shook the infant on Dec. 6 knowing such act created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.

Karlson was initially charged this week with aggravated battery. However, the charge was upgraded after the infant’s death on Wednesday.

Karlson was in the Will County Adult Detention Facility on the aggravated battery charge when the murder charge was filed.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case in conjunction with investigators from the Will County Sheriff’s Department.