Jury Trial Will Begin for Jon Hansen in Joliet
The trial regarding a 2024 mass shooting in Joliet is set to start on October 14, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Violence
A jury trial for 26-year-old Jon Hansen begins on Tuesday, October 14, 2026, regarding his role in a 2024 Joliet mass shooting. The violent incident involved nine total victims over the course of 24 hours.
Why it matters
Prosecutors allege the shootings were motivated by gang animosity toward the Vice Lords, drawing links between the defendant and shooter Romeo Nance as members of the Milwaukee Kings gang.
Jon Hansen faces charges for the first-degree murder of 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare and the attempted first-degree murder of 44-year-old Mario Guerrero. The legal proceedings center on his alleged involvement in crimes committed by Romeo Nance.
The players
Jon Hansen
He is a 26-year-old defendant currently facing murder and attempted murder charges related to a Joliet mass shooting.
Romeo Nance
He was a 23-year-old perpetrator who killed seven family members before dying by suicide in Texas.
Toyosi Bakare
He was a 28-year-old victim whose death led to first-degree murder charges against Jon Hansen.
Mario Guerrero
He is a 44-year-old victim of the attempted murder charges brought against Jon Hansen.
The details
Prosecutors contend that Hansen and Nance were members of the Milwaukee Kings gang, while defense attorneys argue that Hansen was present during the events but did not shoot or encourage the violence. The series of shootings spanned 24 hours in Joliet before the primary perpetrator, Romeo Nance, later died by suicide in Texas.
Timeline
The mass shooting occurred in Joliet over a 24-hour period in January 2024.
The jury trial for Jon Hansen is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 14, 2026.
Legal Context
This case proceeds following the 2024 Joliet mass shooting, which remains one of the most significant violent events in the city's recent history. The trial will test legal arguments regarding accomplice liability in gang-related violence within this jurisdiction.
The start of this trial brings renewed attention to the 2024 Joliet mass shooting for local residents. The public proceedings may involve testimony regarding gang activity, which has been a focus of the investigation into the event.
The takeaway
The upcoming trial highlights the complexities of prosecuting individuals for collective gang violence. Residents may see continued local court activity as the legal system addresses the aftermath of the 2024 shooting.
What happens next
The jury trial for Jon Hansen is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on similar legal proceedings in the area, visit the Joliet Violence section.
