Judge Delivers Sentence in Killing of Homeless Chicago Icon
An Illinois man, Joseph Guardia, was sentenced to 47 years in prison on Wednesday for the death of Joseph Kromelis, a homeless man affectionately known as “Walking Man” in Chicago. Guardia, 30, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the 2022 arson attack that ultimately took Kromelis’ life.
A Life Remembered: Chicago’s Beloved ‘Walking Man’
Kromelis, 75, was a familiar sight in Chicago’s downtown Loop area, known for his long walks through the city, his flowing white hair, and his easygoing presence. Kromelis’ routine and character captured the attention of many Chicagoans, earning him the endearing nickname “Walking Man.” He once described his lifestyle to the Chicago Tribune as “a way of life.”
Kromelis was also the subject of a local documentary and news stories, and his presence had become iconic in the community. His sister, Erika Singree, shared in a court statement, “My heart is broken… He just loved Chicago. He had his routine of walking the streets. He wanted to be left alone. He never hurt anyone. He was an angel with wings.” Singree passed away just days before Guardia’s sentencing, at the age of 80.
Details of the Attack and Guardia’s Defense
In May 2022, Kromelis was asleep under blankets along Lower Wabash Avenue when Guardia poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Prosecutors reported that more than half of Kromelis’ body sustained severe burns. He survived for several months before succumbing to his injuries in December 2022.
Guardia claimed he was unaware that a person was under the blankets at the time of the attack, but prosecutors pointed out that Kromelis’ head and lower legs were visible. Guardia admitted to being “an angry person” but gave no further explanation for his actions. The Cook County Public Defender’s Office represented Guardia and noted his history of mental illness. His attorneys attempted to arrange a plea deal that included a guilty but mentally ill provision, but prosecutors did not agree to the proposal.
A Second Tragedy for Kromelis in Six Years
The tragic attack on Kromelis in 2022 was not his first encounter with violence. In 2016, he was hospitalized for weeks after being beaten with a baseball bat. That incident sparked a community fundraiser to support him, as many residents felt he represented the spirit of the city.
Community Reacts to Sentence and Legacy
With the sentencing, the residents of Chicago have expressed mixed emotions, both in relief for the resolution of the case and in sorrow for the loss of a beloved figure. Kromelis’ memory lives on, honored by those who remember him as a gentle spirit who quietly walked the streets of Chicago, leaving a lasting impression.
