Skeletal Remains of Missing Joliet Man Found in Mokena Field

Terhan Gordon's body discovered 9 months after he vanished, coroner confirms

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:50am

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The Will County Coroner's Office has confirmed that skeletal remains found in a Mokena field are those of Terhan Gordon, a 36-year-old Joliet resident who went missing in June 2025. Gordon's family believes multiple people were involved in his kidnapping, killing, and the concealment of his body.

Why it matters

Gordon's disappearance and the discovery of his remains raise serious questions about public safety and the handling of missing persons cases in the Joliet area. The case highlights the trauma and anguish experienced by families of missing individuals who are left with unanswered questions for months on end.

The details

Joliet police announced in July 2025 that Gordon's abandoned silver Pontiac G6 sedan had been found in another community, but did not disclose the location. Authorities did not initially classify Gordon's disappearance as a homicide, but his family believes multiple people were involved in his kidnapping, killing, and the concealment of his body. The Will County Coroner's Office confirmed the identity of the skeletal remains found in a Mokena field on March 24, 2026.

  • Terhan Gordon was last seen alive on June 27, 2025 in Joliet.
  • On July 9, 2025, Joliet police announced Gordon's abandoned vehicle had been found.
  • In November 2025, Joliet police classified Gordon's disappearance as 'missing under suspicious circumstances'.
  • On March 24, 2026, Gordon's skeletal remains were discovered in a Mokena field.
  • On March 28, 2026, the Will County Coroner's Office confirmed the remains were those of Terhan Gordon.

The players

Terhan Gordon

A 36-year-old Joliet resident who went missing in June 2025 and whose skeletal remains were later discovered in a Mokena field.

Laurie H. Summers

The Will County Coroner who confirmed the identity of the skeletal remains found in Mokena as those of Terhan Gordon.

Joliet Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Gordon's disappearance and the discovery of his remains.

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What they’re saying

“We have no explanation for the disappearance. He was definitely seen in the Joliet area. We don't have any evidence of him being outside the Joliet area.”

— Tizoc Landeros, Joliet Police Detective Sergeant

What’s next

The Joliet Police Department and Will County Sheriff's Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Terhan Gordon's disappearance and death.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for improved procedures and resources to quickly locate missing persons and provide closure for their families. It also raises concerns about public safety and the handling of suspicious disappearances in the Joliet area that require further examination.