An Illinois man has been convicted of second-degree murder after fatally shooting his neighbor during a Mother’s Day weekend cookout. Prosecutors said the victim interrupted the family gathering by hurling insults and challenging the defendant to a fight before being shot in the stomach.
Neighbor Fatally Shot During Family Cookout
Willis Ellis, 58, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 60-year-old neighbor, Lyndon Hunt, following a trial in Will County, Illinois.
The shooting occurred on May 8 at an apartment complex located in the 200 block of Nicholson Street in Joliet.
According to authorities, Ellis had been grilling food for his wife and visiting in-laws as part of a Mother’s Day weekend gathering when the confrontation began.
911 Call Led Officers to the Scene
Police responded to the apartment complex at approximately 4:30 p.m. after receiving a 911 call.
When officers arrived, they encountered Ellis, who reportedly admitted that he had shot someone.
Emergency medical personnel transported Hunt to a nearby hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, he died from his injuries.
Ellis was arrested at the scene following the shooting.
Argument Escalated Into Deadly Violence
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Hunt and Ellis lived in the same apartment complex.
Court testimony indicated that while Ellis was grilling for his family, Hunt was nearby working on his fishing poles.
According to courtroom reports, Hunt began directing insults toward Ellis and eventually challenged him to a physical fight.
Jurors viewed video footage of the confrontation.
The recording reportedly showed Ellis pulling out a handgun and firing a single shot into Hunt’s stomach.
After being shot, Hunt fell to the ground and pleaded with Ellis, saying:
“Don’t do it.”
Defendant Claimed He Acted Out of Fear
Ellis testified in his own defense during the trial.
He told jurors he believed Hunt intended to carry out his threats and feared for his safety.
However, prosecutors pointed to surveillance video that allegedly showed Ellis laughing during the confrontation.
When questioned about the footage, Ellis reportedly claimed his laughter was a reaction caused by fear rather than amusement.
He also acknowledged during testimony that he had threatened Hunt during the confrontation.
Despite Ellis’ claims of fear, the jury ultimately convicted him of second-degree murder.
Victim Remembered by Family
According to his obituary, Lyndon Hunt was affectionately known by the nickname “Lightbulb.”
Family members described him as someone who remained proud of his Chicago roots and valued the relationships he built throughout his life.
His obituary stated that his friendships and close family connections left a lasting impact on many people who knew him.
Sentencing Still Pending
Following the guilty verdict, Ellis remains in custody at the Will County Jail.
A sentencing date has not yet been announced.
The conviction concludes the criminal trial, though the court must still determine the length of Ellis’ prison sentence.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Willis Ellis, 58 |
| Victim | Lyndon Hunt, 60 |
| Location | Joliet, Illinois |
| Date of Shooting | May 8 |
| Incident | Fatal shooting during Mother’s Day weekend cookout |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound to the stomach |
| Conviction | Second-degree murder |
| Current Status | Held in Will County Jail, awaiting sentencing |
The case stemmed from what began as a neighborhood dispute during a family cookout but escalated into deadly violence. Prosecutors argued that despite the victim’s verbal insults and challenge to fight, Ellis responded with deadly force, leading the jury to convict him of second-degree murder.
