On Saturday, December 14, 2024, at approximately 10:17 PM, Kankakee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of 2200 S 14490E Road in rural Pembroke Township regarding a reported stabbing at a party. Deputies were advised that a 21-year-old male had been stabbed in the neck.

Through the investigation, which included several witnesses and follow-up interviews, Sheriff’s investigators identified and apprehended 52-year-old Juan Carlos Valdez-Pizarro of Pembroke Township on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Valdez-Pizarro is currently being held at the Jerome Combs Detention Center, pending a bond hearing before a Kankakee County judge.

Sheriff Mike Downey praised the swift work of the investigative team, stating:
“I commend everyone involved for their efforts in bringing this individual to justice so quickly. The dedication and hard work demonstrated by our detectives in such a short timeframe is remarkable. I also want to thank those who cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation. Their assistance was critical in identifying this dangerous individual and ensuring he is no longer a threat to our community.”