Man accused of killing wife in 1988 will remain free as he awaits trial in Joliet

Source Chicago Tribune
Original Load Date Feb. 14, 2026, 6 a.m.
Last Updated Feb. 14, 2026, 6 a.m.
Original URL https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/14/missing-wife-murder-joliet-bernal/

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A former Joliet Township resident accused of killing his wife in 1988 will remain out of jail as he awaits trial in a mystery that has spanned nearly 40 years. Will County Judge Art Smigielski this week denied a motion to detain Gilbert Bernal Sr. until his trial. However, the 82-year-old man, who ...