A man, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Guardia, was sentenced to 47 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid a trial. This move came after he was arrested for setting fire to 75-year-old Joseph Kromelis, known as the “Walking Man” of downtown Chicago.

The “Walking Man” and His Unique Style

Joseph Kromelis was a familiar face in downtown Chicago, known for his distinctive appearance. He would often wear dark hair that turned gray in his later years, a mustache, and a sartorial eye for dress. He was often referred to as the “Walking Man” or “Walking Dude” by those who frequented the area.

The Circumnavigation of the City

According to David Jones, who had planned to make a documentary film about Kromelis, the Walking Man’s walking route was anything but linear. “Nothing linear, almost like a moth fly. Up this street, across, diagonal and back and down,” he explained. For Kromelis, this made perfect sense, and he often took this route through the city.

The Fateful Event

On May 25, 2022, a surveillance camera recorded Guardia approaching Kromelis, who was asleep on a blanket in the 400 block of North Lower Wabash Avenue. Guardia poured a flammable liquid onto the blanket and then lit it on fire. Kromelis suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital, where he eventually died from his injuries in a rehabilitation facility several months later.

The Aftermath

Guardia was arrested two days after the attack in his hometown of Melrose Park. He gave no explanation for his motive, stating only that he was an angry person. He denied knowing there was anyone in the blanket, claiming he was trying to burn trash. Prosecutors, however, stated that he had a history of run-ins with the law, including an ongoing burglary case.

A History of Incidents

Guardia was not only responsible for the murder of Joseph Kromelis but also had a disturbing history with the law. In the same month, he threw a liquid substance on a CTA worker, and in 2016, someone beat him with a baseball bat in the 400 block of East Lower Wacker Drive.

Conclusion

This case highlights the vulnerability of unhoused individuals who live on the streets, and it resonates with those who knew Kromelis. His murder also raised awareness about the lack of protection and safety for people like him.

Frequently Asked Questions

* Who was Joseph Kromelis?
Kromelis was a 75-year-old man known as the “Walking Man” of downtown Chicago, recognizable by his distinctive appearance and style.

* What was his fate?
He was set on fire by 30-year-old Joseph Guardia while he slept on a blanket in May 2022. He eventually died months later as a result of his injuries.

* What was Guardia’s sentence?
Guardia was sentenced to 47 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.