Two Charged With Sex Crimes in Chicago After 15-Year-Old Found Dead in Alley

A Chicago man and woman were recently arrested and charged with sex crimes after the body of a 15-year-old teenager was found dead in an alley, NBC Chicago reported.

According to a press release from the Oak Park Police Department, the two suspects were arrested on Tuesday, just a few days after the teenager's body was discovered on Saturday.

Authorities identified the suspects as 40-year-old Sergio Hernandez of the 3100 block of N. Austin Boulevard, and 18-year-old Joslia Williams who resided near the 1700 block of Menard Avenue.

Police said that Hernandez was charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and concealment of a death. Williams was charged with child pornography and concealment of a death.

After Hernandez and Williams were arrested, they were taken to the Cook County Jail where they are currently being held "in lieu of a $500,000 bond each," according to the Oak Park Police Department.

The arrest of Hernandez and Williams came just three days after police discovered a body in an alley near the 200 block of North Taylor Avenue.

The initial incident that led to the apprenhension of the suspects occurred on Saturday, when officers received reports "of a person down" at around 8:30 a.m., local time.

When they arrived to the alley, officers discovered the body of a 15-year-old teenager. According to the press release, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by "Oak Park firefighter/paramedics who had responded to the call along with Police."

Police said that the victim's body was then taken by the Cook County Medical Examiner in order to investigate the cause of death.

The name of the deceased was not released. The victim was described as a 15-year-old female "who had been reported missing to Chicago Police at about 11:30 a.m. on the same day her body was discovered."

The Cook County Medical Examiner's office has yet to determine the cause and manner of the victim's death, as the results of toxicology reports are still pending.

"No other details about the investigation are available," the Oak Park Police Department said.

As they continue their probe, authorities are asking the public with information about the case to come forward. They can call the Oak Park Police Department anonymously at 708-434-1636. They can also submit information through a crime tip website found here.

Newsweek reached out to the Oak Park Police Department for further comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Police line
The Oak Park Police Department in Chicago charged two suspects with sex crimes after the body of a 15-year-old was found dead in an alley. Larry W. Smith/Getty

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go