More human remains found in Mokena field

Authorities search for clues after additional bones discovered near where earlier remains were identified

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a human bone fragment, its rough texture and jagged edges dramatically illuminated by a harsh flash of light against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of this crime scene discovery.The discovery of more human remains in the same field where a missing person's body was found raises troubling questions about potential foul play.Joliet Today

More human remains were discovered on Monday in a field near Mokena, Illinois, just days after skeletal remains found in the same area were identified as belonging to a 35-year-old man reported missing last year. The Will County Sheriff's Office is investigating the new findings, which were uncovered during an additional search of the field.

Why it matters

The discovery of more human remains in the same location raises concerns about potential foul play and the possibility of multiple victims. Authorities are working to determine if the new remains belong to the same person or a different individual, which could significantly impact the ongoing investigation.

The details

The Will County Sheriff's Office found the additional remains on Monday after conducting a further search of the field near Oakwood Drive and Townline Road. The recovered remains have been turned over to the coroner's office for identification. It is unclear at this time if the new remains belong to the previously identified 35-year-old Terhan F. Gordon or a different person.

  • On March 24, a human skull was found in the field.
  • On March 25, the sheriff's office conducted a search and found more bones.
  • On March 31, additional human remains were discovered in the field.

The players

Will County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the discovery of human remains in the Mokena field.

Terhan F. Gordon

A 35-year-old Joliet man whose skeletal remains were previously identified as being found in the same field.

Brent Cann

The Mokena Community Development Director who said surveyors found the initial remains while conducting a wetland survey of the property.

Shawn O'Malley

The developer of O'Malley Builders LLC who owns the property where the remains were discovered.

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What they’re saying

“More than two dozens officers from the criminal investigations, crime scene investigation and Will County Emergency Management Agency search and rescue completed the search Wednesday.”

— Elizabeth Matthews, Public Information Officer, Will County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Will County coroner's office will work to identify the new set of human remains found in the Mokena field. Authorities will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the discoveries to determine if the cases are connected.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in investigating potential crimes involving missing persons and unidentified remains. The discovery of additional human bones in the same location raises serious concerns and will require thorough forensic analysis to provide answers for the victims' families.