1st-Degree Murder Charges Filed, $1M Bond Set For Ex-Con’s Death

JOLIET, IL — A man jailed for allegedly gunning down an ex-convict celebrating his release from prison just hours earlier was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

James Francis Hess, 65, had been initially charged with the aggravated discharge of a firearm following the death of 29-year-old Nathan Hofkamp.

Hess appeared in court Monday afternoon. His bond was set at $1 million.

Hofkamp had just gotten out of Vienna Correctional Center Friday morning and was celebrating his new-found freedom that night with family at a house on Canal Road outside Minooka, police said. Hofkamp’s mother, 51-year-old Kathy Hofkamp, and Hess live together in the Canal Road home.

“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 press release.

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

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

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, who jail records list as a Missouri resident, witnessed the shooting, according to police, who declined to say how he is related to Nathan Hofkamp.

Kevin Hofkamp remained in custody Monday afternoon. His bond was set at $2,500.

A Go Fund Me page was set up in Nathan Hofkamp’s name to cover the cost of a “nice service for his passing.”

“He just got out of prison ready to change his life and do good and his life got taken from him within 11 hrs of being home,” reads the page, which says it was set up by Nathan Hofkamp’s brother Adam Hofkamp.

The page said Nathan Hofkamp leaves behind a daughter.

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.

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.

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