Joliet Police Make Arrest in 2004 Murder Case

Murder charges have been filed against a former Joliet man in a chase that's been unsolved for eight years, according to a published report.

Durando Eskridge, 29, of Des Moines, Iowa, is charged in the June 26, 2004, death of Herbert R. Brown, who was shot multiple times during an argument in the 1500 block of Englewood Avenue, a story in the Joliet Herald News said. 

“The victim had stolen some drugs and possibly some money from Eskridge. It appears (Eskridge) knew that and sought retaliation for the theft,” Joliet police Detective Chris Schott told the paper.

A former co-worker of Eskridge's told police that Eskridge had bragged to him about committing the homicide, the story said. Joliet police have gone to Iowa to interview Eskridge and to file paperwork for his extradition back to Illinois.

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Police say a killer’s boasting may have finally caught up to him Tuesday night after eight years of undeserved freedom.

Officers were en route to Des Moines, Iowa where Durando Eskridge, 29, was being held for his alleged role in the June 2004 slaying of Herbert R. Brown. He has been charged with murder, authorities said.

On June 26, 2004, Brown was in the 1500 block of Englewood Avenue when he argued with another man, who shot him several times before fleeing the scene. The street killing was reportedly seen by “many people” but witnesses were uncooperative at the time.

Brown, who had an extensive arrest record, had eight baggies of crack cocaine when he was gunned down.

Despite reluctant witnesses, Eskridge became a suspect during the initial investigation and fled to the Des Moines area, Tactical Officer Greg Humphrey said.

The case went cold until one of Eskridge’s former co-workers recently began having his own legal troubles.

“While Eskridge and this man were doing temporary work together in 2008, (Eskridge) started bragging to him about the homicide,” Schott said. “When the witness got in trouble with the police himself, he decided to share this information.”

Schott and Humphrey questioned the man in Iowa and returned to consult with Will County prosecutors. On Tuesday night, Schott and Humphrey traveled to the Polk County jail where Eskridge was being held and planned to question him. Schott expected Eskridge would face a hearing for extradition back to Illinois on Wednesday.

According to reports, Eskridge was arrested by Des Moines police in June on a charge of disorderly conduct.