November 14, 2022 JOLIET—Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that Circuit Court Judge Vincent Cornelius today found Blaique Morgan, 26, of Joliet guilty of two counts of First-Degree Murder in the death of Robert Bielec, his next-door neighbor, in 2016. The verdict follows a bench trial that concluded October 31, 2022.

On January 7, 2016, the Will County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call by Bielec’s roommate stating that Bielec was severely injured and lying in their driveway. Officers spoke with Blaique Morgan who stated that he and his brother, Amari Morgan, went to Bielec’s residence to confront him about an ongoing dispute. An argument ensued, and Bielec was fatally struck in the head with a bat.

State’s Attorney Glasgow thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Fitzgerald, Alyson Wozniak, and Aristotelis Theodorou for their hard work and dedication in this matter. He also thanked Director of Victim Witness Services Nichole Pasteris, Information Technology Specialist Gus Martinucci,Administrative Assistant Nikkol McGuire, and the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2023. Blaique Morgan is eligible for up to 60 years in prison. The trial of Amari Morgan is scheduled for March 13, 2023.