On November 25, 2024, 30-year-old Lenier Dulani Clayton of Joliet, Illinois, was shot and killed in a road rage incident on Interstate 80 near New Lenox. The confrontation happened about 5:30 p.m. in the westbound lanes approaching the Interstate 355 exit. Authorities say Clayton’s car was struck by the other driver’s vehicle, forcing it into the center median wall; both men exited their vehicles and the other driver allegedly drew a 9mm handgun and fired multiple times, striking Clayton nine times, primarily in the back. Clayton was taken to Silver Cross Hospital and pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.

Illinois State Police identified the other driver as 45-year-old Phillip E. Rogers of Chicago, who fled the scene and was arrested about a mile away. He has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Prosecutors say Rogers was prohibited from possessing a firearm or driving because of a prior felony for fleeing and eluding; data from his vehicle purportedly showed deliberate actions that led to the collision. A witness reported seeing the collision and hearing multiple gunshots. Rogers told investigators Clayton had threatened to shoot him, but police say they found no evidence Clayton was armed.

Did anyone on Interstate 80 that evening see the vehicles or the confrontation and not yet speak with investigators?