Joliet Central Student Javion Bailey Killed: 17-Year-Old Jae'Vion Smith Faces First-Degree Murder Charges As Adult
Joliet police obtained an arrest warrant charging 17-year-old Jae'Vion Smith with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Joliet Central High School student Javion Bailey. Smith will be charged as an adult.
More than three weeks after a Joliet teenager died from stab wounds, the Joliet Police Department has secured an arrest warrant charging another 17-year-old with first-degree murder.
The warrant names Jae'Vion Smith, who will turn 18 this October, and lists him as black, 5-foot-4, and 109 pounds. Smith resides in the 1800 block of Delrose Street in Joliet, near Essington Road and Thomas Hickey Drive, according to court documents obtained by Joliet Patch on Thursday.
A Stabbing at Riverwalk Homes
The criminal complaint alleges that Smith stabbed Javion Bailey on May 3, "knowing such act created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to Javion Bailey, thereby causing the death of Javion Bailey," court papers state.
According to police spokesman Dwayne English, officers responded to the Riverwalk Homes Apartments in the 300 block of North Broadway Street at 12:55 p.m. for a daytime stabbing. Officers found a 17-year-old boy on the fifth floor of 366 N. Broadway St. who had sustained a serious stab wound.
The victim was transported by the Joliet Fire Department to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he later died, English said. A knife was recovered at the scene, English revealed.
Charged As An Adult
Smith was originally held at the River Valley Justice Center on charges of aggravated battery, according to English. The case escalated after a Will County Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment charging Smith with two counts of first-degree murder.
"Due to the level of criminal offense, Smith will be charged as an adult," English declared during a Thursday afternoon press conference.
Joliet police detective Jason Wolski obtained the arrest warrant, court papers show.
Remembering Javion Bailey
Javion Bailey, age 17, died on May 4 at St. Joseph Hospital, according to an obituary shared by Minor-Morris Funeral Home in Joliet.
"Javion was a junior at Joliet Central High School, where he was known for his infectious laugh and kind heart. He was deeply passionate about basketball, video games, and music. He cherished spending time with his best friends, Jarvais Reeves, Jaheim Reeves, and Massiah Morrow, along with his special cousins, Ruben Porter Jr., Shanitra Kuykendoll, and Monasia Barnes. Javion was also a part of the Illinois Youth and Family Program," the obituary stated.
What Happens Next
Smith remains in custody as the case moves forward in Will County court. The two counts of first-degree murder carry significant prison time if convicted.
Joliet Patch first reported the initial stabbing investigation earlier this month. The warrant for Smith's arrest was filed Thursday at the Will County courthouse.