Joliet Man Released After Battery Charges
Luis Valencia-Vazquez was let out of Will County Jail after a judge granted his pretrial release despite opposing views from the State's Attorney.
By Anthony Foster ·
Luis Valencia-Vazquez is out of jail. The 43-year-old Joliet resident was released on Sunday afternoon following a hearing where the court ordered his pretrial release. He faces two charges: aggravated battery and domestic battery.
The incident began on Oct. 30 in the early morning hours. Joliet police officers responded to the Valencia home in the 2200 block of St. Francis Avenue after receiving a complaint about loud noise. Court files state that the victim told officers that Valencia was drinking alcohol and playing music loudly. The officers instructed him to lower the volume and departed.
Later that night, a 911 caller reported hearing the father slap his mother. When officers returned, the victim described an argument in the kitchen and living room over who had reported the initial noise complaint. She stated that Valencia was highly intoxicated. Prosecutors noted that he raised an open hand and slapped her on the right side of her cheek.
The victim rated her pain at 5 or 6 on a scale of 10. Officers observed a cut on her upper left lip and blood near her left eye. She refused to be photographed or accept medical attention. She told officers she is 26 weeks pregnant. Court documents indicate she said the baby was a surprise to Valencia and that he was upset about it.
Two teenagers living in the home also spoke to police. One of the teens heard their parents arguing and witnessed the slap. Prosecutors filed that the teen also heard Valencia tell the victim to kill herself and the baby. The filing added that Valencia has been physically abusive to the victim and her siblings in the past.
Will County Judge Donald DeWilkins ruled in favor of Valencia on Nov. 3. He granted pretrial release under the SAFE-T Act. This decision went against the wishes of the Will County State's Attorney's Office. The judge ordered Valencia to stay away from the victim and the house on St. Francis Avenue. He is allowed to return to the home with a Joliet police escort to retrieve personal items.
Valencia was previously held in the Will County Jail in July 2021. He is currently free pending further court proceedings.
