Overview

• Manuel Mejia, 13, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a back alley on Desplaines Street on June 2 and pronounced dead at the scene
• A 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody on June 3 and formally charged with first-degree murder and additional counts on June 4
• Joliet police have classified the case as the city’s first homicide of 2025 and are urging anyone with information to contact authorities
• Mejia was walking with friends when he was shot and had been expected to graduate from Thompson Instructional Center on the day of his mother’s interview
• Family members, led by his mother Andrea Perez, have appealed to the community to help ensure the alleged shooter is brought to justice