‘Was Going to Shower in Her Pool’: Joliet Police Arrest Violent Offender
JOLIET, Illinois — A 59-year-old convicted killer from Chicago is being held in the Will County Jail after Joliet police arrested him for trespassing at a home, attempting to steal property, and failing to register as a violent offender, authorities confirmed.
Confrontation at Ada Street Home
The incident occurred on Aug. 23 in the Forest Park area of Joliet. According to court records, a woman spotted the man — who initially identified himself as Fentric Miller — inside her backyard shed, stealing a bicycle and other belongings.
When confronted, the suspect allegedly told the woman that he was “going to take a shower in her pool.” The woman’s husband intervened after the man tried to jump a fence and flee. Police arrived shortly after and took him into custody.
Suspect Identified as Convicted Murderer
Investigators determined that “Fentric Miller” was one of several aliases used by Demetrius Cogwell, who is listed on the Illinois State Police Violent Offender Against Youth Registry.
Court documents show Cogwell was convicted in 1995 of the 1992 murder of Marlon Genus in Cook County. He was sentenced to 55 years for first-degree murder and an additional five years for concealment of homicidal death.
Authorities said Cogwell, who turns 60 next week, has repeatedly failed to comply with registry requirements.
Judge Orders Detention Under SAFE-T Act
Will County Judge Derek Ewanic ruled that Cogwell met both the dangerousness and willful flight standards under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, ordering him to remain in custody without bond.
During the hearing, prosecutors said Cogwell appeared “out of touch with reality,” making strange comments about “patrolling to keep the area safe.”
Aliases and Registry Violations
The registry lists multiple aliases used by Cogwell, including:
- Fentric Miller
- James Call
- Demetrios Miller
- Lil Mick
- Demetrios Cognell
Officials noted this was Cogwell’s second violation for failing to register as a violent offender, further justifying his detention.
Community Safety Concerns
The incident has alarmed Joliet residents, as Cogwell was previously registered at an address in Chicago before appearing unannounced in the suburban neighborhood. Local authorities say the arrest highlights the importance of strict compliance checks for violent offender registrants.
Cogwell remains in the Will County Jail as the investigation continues. Police say additional charges could be filed as prosecutors review the case.
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