July 15, 2026

JOLIET, Ill. — Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow announced today that a Will County jury found Willis Ellis, 58, guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the fatal shooting of Lyndon Hunt, 60, following a jury trial that concluded on July 14, 2026—less than three months after the homicide occurred.

The evidence presented at trial established that on May 8, 2026, officers with the Joliet Police Department responded to the 200 block of Nicholson Street after receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired. Officers found Hunt suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen outside the
apartment building where both Hunt and Ellis lived. The incident was also captured on video on the defendant’s home security camera.

Ellis remained at the scene and directed officers to the firearm used in the shooting. Hunt was transported to Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. An autopsy determined that the gunshot wound was the cause of death.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Ellis with First Degree Murder and successfully petitioned to deny his pretrial release pending trial.

At trial, the defendant claimed he acted in self-defense. After hearing the testimony, reviewing the physical evidence, and considering the applicable law, the jury rejected that claim and returned a verdict finding Ellis guilty of Second-Degree Murder.

Sentencing will be scheduled on a future date.

“The right to defend oneself is one of our most fundamental legal protections, but that right has limits. After carefully weighing the evidence, the jury determined that the defendant was criminally responsible for Lyndon Hunt’s death. Violence cannot be excused simply because it is later labeled as self-defense. In just over two months, law enforcement, prosecutors, the court, and twelve citizens serving as jurors fulfilled their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.

###