Judge Allows Pretrial Release in 1988 Will County Murder Cold Case

Gilbert Bernal, 82, charged with killing his wife Joan Bernal, who went missing that year

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Will County judge has allowed the pretrial release of Gilbert Bernal, 82, who is charged with the 1988 murder of his wife, Joan Bernal, 34. Joan Bernal went missing that year and her body has never been found.

Why it matters

This case has remained unsolved for nearly 40 years, highlighting the challenges of prosecuting cold cases and the complexities around pretrial release decisions, especially for elderly defendants.

The details

Gilbert Bernal, 82, of Michigan, is charged with first-degree murder in the 1988 disappearance and presumed death of his wife Joan Bernal, 34, in Joliet Township. The judge has now allowed Bernal's pretrial release, despite the serious nature of the charges.

  • Joan Bernal went missing in 1988.
  • Gilbert Bernal was charged with her murder in 2026.

The players

Gilbert Bernal

An 82-year-old man charged with the 1988 murder of his wife, Joan Bernal.

Joan Bernal

Gilbert Bernal's 34-year-old wife who went missing in 1988 and whose body has never been found.

Dave Carlson

Gilbert Bernal's attorney.

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What’s next

The judge's decision to allow Bernal's pretrial release will be closely watched, as the case remains an unsolved cold case from nearly four decades ago.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting cold cases, especially those involving elderly defendants, and the difficult balance between public safety and defendants' rights when it comes to pretrial release decisions.