75-Year-Old Chicago Man Charged With Double Murder Following Fatal Shooting Of Two Women In Washington Heights

Chicago police charged 75-year-old William Wallace Jr. with the murder of Phyllis Goolsby and Tuanna Thomas. The victims were shot in Washington Heights.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 9:39 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Fox 32 Chicago

Rapid Arrest Follows Deadly Saturday Night Encounter

A weekend shooting on Chicago’s South Side has resulted in the deaths of two senior women and the immediate arrest of a 75-year-old suspect. Chicago police responded to the Washington Heights neighborhood just before 11 p.m. Saturday following reports of gunfire near the intersection of 104th and Peoria streets. Upon arrival, officers discovered two women suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. Despite the efforts of first responders, both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Within 20 minutes of the initial call, officers located and apprehended the primary suspect, William Wallace Jr., on the same block where the incident occurred.

Victims Identified By Cook County Medical Examiner

The deceased have been identified as 68-year-old Phyllis R. Goolsby and 71-year-old Tuanna J. Thomas. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, both women were residents of Chicago. Forensic investigators spent the early hours of Sunday morning processing the scene, though a specific motive for the shooting has not yet been released by the Chicago Police Department. The proximity of the arrest to the crime scene suggest that patrol officers were able to establish a perimeter and identify the suspect based on initial witness descriptions and neighborhood surveillance.

Legal Proceedings Begin For Double Homicide Charges

William Wallace Jr. has been officially charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Following his processing at the local district station, he was transferred to the Cook County Jail. Wallace is scheduled to appear before a judge for a detention hearing this Tuesday, where the court will determine if he remains in custody pending trial. Given the severity of the charges and the use of a firearm, prosecutors are expected to seek a high-level detention order. This case marks a significant and violent incident involving older adults in the Washington Heights community, a neighborhood that has recently seen increased police patrols.