Medical examiner: Man last seen in Joliet died of multiple gunshot wounds

The Belvidere man last seen in Joliet last month and whose body was found in the Calumet River on June 18 died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Carl Edward Gordon Jr., 35, was last seen in Joliet on May 29. His body was recovered from the Calumet River near Blue Island on June 18, according to the Illinois State Police.

Cook County Medical Examiner spokeswoman Natalia Derevyanny confirmed Gordon died of multiple gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide.

After he was found, the Blue Island Police Department notified state police who are investigating Gordon's death. State police did not release details about the circumstances surrounding Gordon's death but said last week they suspected foul play.

Gordon's mother, Nadine said she still had many unanswered questions about how her son died. She said she was unsure of how events may have played out between May 29 and June 18 to know when exactly her son was killed.

"We just don't know," she said. "We're all so tired of beating ourselves over the head thinking who could have done it."

Gordon's mother added she'd heard "a lot of speculation" about who may have been responsible for his death. Instead of entertaining any specific possibilities, she said, she wanted to be patient and allow state police to conduct their investigation.

On May 29, Gordon had traveled from Belvidere to Joliet to visit the motorcycle club he belongs to and get his Harley Davidson serviced on Ruby Street close to the St. John Cemetery. He ordered a pizza around 8 p.m. and left the shop by himself on his motorcycle around 10 p.m.

Several of Gordon's loved ones searched throughout Joliet for weeks after he was last seen in hopes of finding him.

Gordon's mother implored anyone who may have seen her son before he died to contact police.

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