Flint Man Charged with 1988 Murder of Missing Wife in Joliet
An 82-year-old man from Flint, Michigan, Gilbert T. Bernal Sr., faces charges for the murder of his wife, Joan Bernal. This case has been under investigation since her disappearance almost 40 years ago.
Details of the Case
Joan Bernal was last seen on December 9, 1988. According to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, an incident of domestic violence occurred at their Joliet home prior to a planned trip to Texas.
- Date of Disappearance: December 9, 1988
- Location: Joliet, Illinois
- Age of Gilbert T. Bernal at Arrest: 82 years
- Potential Evidence: Believed to be buried under concrete in Joliet
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses have reported seeing Gilbert Bernal physically assault his wife. His son, Gilbert Bernal Jr., claimed to have seen his father grab Joan by the neck and drag her across their home. This history of abuse was supported by testimonies from their children.
Missing Person Report
Gilbert Bernal reported his wife missing on December 27, 1988. He stated that he had left her at a bus stop in McAlister, Oklahoma, with $1,500 in cash.
Recent Developments
Gilbert Bernal was previously arrested in 1993 for his wife’s murder; however, those charges were dismissed before reaching trial. The case was reopened with the formation of a dedicated cold case team within the sheriff’s office.
On December 9, 2025, a Will County Grand Jury issued a sealed indictment for first-degree murder against Gilbert Bernal, based on newly uncovered evidence. He was arrested on December 11 and later extradited to Will County.
Legal Proceedings
The indictment was made public in court on a recent Monday, and Bernal is scheduled for a detention hearing on January 12. He remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.
Support and Investigation
The sheriff’s office emphasized their commitment to solving cold cases, stating, “This long-awaited legal step honors Joan’s memory.” The investigation into Joan Bernal’s disappearance was previously discussed on the show “Cold Justice,” where insights from their daughter were shared.
As this case develops, the Bernal family continues to seek answers and justice for their loved one. The community remains hopeful for a resolution after so many years.
