Alicia Fabbre
Chicago Tribune
JOLIET, Ill. — Authorities on Tuesday identified two people who died Monday in a shootout that took place after police responded to a hostage situation at a burning home in Joliet.
The Will County coroner’s office Tuesday identified the deceased as Kimiki Truss, 43, of Joliet, and Nakia Smith, 44, of Joliet. Both suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Officials Monday had only confirmed one fatality.
Three officers also were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries, according to a news release from the Will County sheriff’s office. One of the officers was treated for a graze wound to his arm, Will County Sheriff Lt. Dan Troike said.
Shortly after 4 a.m. Monday, Joliet police were called to Truss’ home in the 1200 block of Justice Lake Drive after she contacted a third party to tell them she needed help, Troike said. When police arrived, they found Truss’ home on fire and as they entered through the front door they encountered gunfire from Smith, who was standing near the entryway, Troike said.
Smith, who was holding Truss hostage, then ran out the back door with Truss and exchanged more gunfire with police in the backyard, said Troike.
Truss was transported to Silver Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 5:03 a.m. Monday, according to the Will County coroner’s office. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two had a long-term relationship that ended and Truss had a new boyfriend, Troike said. He could not elaborate on why Smith was at Truss’ home or what prompted the incident but noted police were reviewing phone records and text messages.
Troike said Truss was shot by Smith, but also noted investigators are awaiting ballistics reports.
The Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident, said Troike, who also serves as commander for the task force. Any officer-involved shootings are reviewed by the task force, Troike noted.
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