Family in Joliet child stabbing tragedy cooperating with police investigation; community reacts

Joliet police on Saturday said the family of two children involved in a tragic stabbing death are fully cooperating with the investigation, and Police Chief William Evans issued a statement describing the incident as “devastating.”

A 2-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife by his 6-year-old brother on Friday, police said.

“The victim was discovered by his mother, who then called 911,” the Joliet Police Department said in a news release Saturday that offered more details about what happened.

Police were called at 5:04 p.m. to the family home in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive.

“Officers on-scene took the 6-year-old male into protective custody and he was transported to the Joliet Police Department, where he was accompanied by family,” according to the release. “Detectives continue to work with the victim’s family, who have fully cooperated with this investigation.”

Custody of the 6-year-old child was transferred to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, police said. DCFS with Will County Health Department Screening Assessment Support Services had the boy taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation, police said.

Authorities did not release the names of the family or the juveniles involved.

Police Chief William Evans issued a statement with the Saturday update, saying police “are committed to a thorough investigation and to providing support to the family and our community during this incredibly difficult time.”

“Our community is reeling from this devastating incident, as I am unable to come up with a sufficient statement that can adequately express the sorrow and pain we all feel following this heartbreaking event,” Evans said. “Most importantly, I wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by such a tragedy. Your community stands with you in your grief, and we are here to support you in any way we can.”

On Saturday morning, Illinois Youth and Family Services, a local organization that provides services to prevent violence and support victims, set up a table along Fairway Drive offering coffee, doughnuts and an opportunity for neighbors to talk about what happened.

“We’re just here to show the community that we support them,” Sam Barnett said. “A lot of folks have been coming out.”

Some commented that they had seen the two young boys out for walks with their grandparents in the neighborhood, he said. None said they had seen any problems.

Neighbor Bob Polletta said the household was “multi-generational,” meaning it included grandparents along with the mother and children.

“They’ve been here for a while,” Polletta said. “They’re not new in the neighborhood.”

“I just feel so bad for the family,” said his wife, Bette Polletta.

That was what many people were saying, said Joliet City Council member Suzanna Ibarra, who was in the neighborhood to inform people about the Joliet Fire Department’s Community Care Program.

The program links Joliet residents with social services for a range of issues, including violence, mental health and parenting supervision. Information can be found on the Joliet Fire Department website. People also can call 815-724-3506.

What happened on Friday was so tragically unique that it may be tough to categorize.

“This has upset a lot of people,” Ibarra said.

She, too, heard from neighbors who are familiar with the family, mainly from seeing the grandparents on walks with the two boys.

From what she heard, Ibarra said, “They were cute little kids.”