Foul play suspected in death of Belvidere man last seen in Joliet: cops

The Illinois State Police are investigating the death of a Belvidere man who was last seen in Joliet on May 29.

The body of Carl Edward Gordon Jr., 35, was recovered from the Calumet River on June 18, according to an Illinois State Police news release.

The Blue Island Police Department had notified the state police they found Gordon’s body in the Calumet River, officials said. ISP agents and crime scene services personnel responded to the scene and began an investigation.

“Due to the open and ongoing investigation, no further details can be released at this time, but we can confirm foul play is suspected in the death of Mr. Carl E. Gordon,” Illinois State Police officials said.

Anyone who may have information regarding Gordon should contact Illinois State Police at 847-294-4400. Callers can remain anonymous.

Blue Island Police Chief Bernadine Rzab did not respond to several questions concerning the discovery of Gordon’s body and only said it was an ISP investigation.

Gordon was last seen in Joliet on May 29 when he went with his friends to a motorcycle shop near St. John Cemetery, according to a statement from Missing Persons Awareness Network.

Gordon's mother, Nadine Gordon, said her son wanted to get his motorcycle checked out.

Gordon ordered a pizza at 8 p.m. and left the shop by himself on his motorcycle around 10 p.m. to head home to Belvidere, according to the statement. Loved ones believe he never left the Joliet area.

The last phone signal the family said they have from Gordon came from the area of Ruby Street near the cemetery around 2:40 a.m. May 30.

Nadine Gordon said her son didn't know the area and was only in Joliet to get his motorcycle looked at. His family also said he is a relatively inexperienced motorcycle driver.

She said Gordon has three children and has no reason to go missing. She added that she and her son talk on a daily basis and for him to go missing is highly unusual.

For three weeks, Gordon drove from her Belvidere home to Joliet to search for her son.