No Murder Charge For Allegedly Killing Newly Freed Ex-Con — Yet

MINOOKA, IL — A Minooka man was jailed in connection with the deadly shooting of a newly released ex-convict celebrating his freedom at a house party.

James Francis Hess, 65, was booked into custody Saturday afternoon on a single count of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors are still reviewing the case, said Deputy Chief Rick Ackerson of the Will County Sheriff’s Department.

Hess lives in the house on Canal Road outside Minooka where a party was held Friday night to celebrate 29-year-old Nathan Hofkamp’s release from prison. Hofkamp got out of downstate Vienna Correctional Center that morning. He was dead that night with a bullet in his chest.

“Apparently someone inside the residence became upset and fired a shot striking the victim in the chest,” the Will County Sheriff’s Department said in a Saturday morning press release.

Hofkamp died in the Presence St. Joseph Medical Center emergency room soon after.

Hess shares the Canal Road home with Hofkamp's mother, Kathy Hofkamp, 51.

Another Hofkamp, 23-year-old Kevin Hofkamp, was booked into the Will County jail on traffic warrants and a warrant from Champaign County following the killing.

Kevin Hofkamp witnessed the shooting, according to police, who declined to say how he is related to Nathan Hofkamp.

Kevin Hofkamp remains in custody. His bond was set at $2,500.

Nathan Hofkamp served seven months in prison for theft and aggravated assault convictions out of Cook County. He also did prison time for burglary and theft convictions out of Kankakee County, and a possession of a controlled substance conviction from Will County.

After his release from prison Friday morning, Nathan Hofkamp posted on Facebook, “Finally free.”

Hess was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence in February 2011 but the case was dismissed when he pleaded guilty instead to reckless driving. He was found guilty of criminal damage to property in June 2010. Hess was arrested on charges of domestic battery and interfering with a report of domestic battery in February 2010, but the case was dismissed after the complaining witness failed to appear for his trial. In August 2011, he was charged with battery. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to court supervision.

Hess was scheduled to appear in court Monday morning.

James Francis Hess | image via Will County Sheriff's Department