08/13/2026
For Immediate Distribution:
August 13, 2026
***UPDATE***
Des Plaines Man Charged with Two Counts of First-Degree Murder
DES PLAINES, Illinois – Following a comprehensive, yearlong investigation involving extensive forensic analysis and coordination with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Des Plaines Police Department announces that the following individual has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder:
- Alexander J. Hoegner, 36-year-old male from Des Plaines, Illinois.
On July 23, 2025, Des Plaines Police officers responded to 994 North Avenue for a report of a deceased male inside a white Dodge Durango. Officers arrived and located a male subject, identified as Joseph Kalamaris, a 33-year-old male from Rosemont, slumped over in the front passenger seat with a gunshot wound through his back. Several spent cartridge casings were recovered from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was processed for evidence, which was submitted to the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory for analysis.
During the investigation, Des Plaines Police investigators learned that Hoegner, Kalamaris, and a third subject were driving in the Dodge Durango. Kalamaris was seated in the front passenger seat, Hoegner was seated directly behind him, and the third subject was driving. While traveling in Des Plaines, Hoegner discharged a fi***rm, fatally striking Kalamaris. The driver pulled over in the 500 block of south Bender Road, exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Hoegner then moved into the driver’s seat, drove the vehicle to North Avenue, abandoned the vehicle, leaving the deceased victim in the passenger seat. DNA evidence was recovered from both the vehicle and a recovered G***k 9mm fully automatic fi***rm. Laboratory analysis identified DNA on the fi***rm that was consistent with Hoegner’s DNA profile. Fi****ms analysis also determined that the spent cartridge casings recovered from inside the vehicle were discharged from the recovered fi***rm.
On August 12, 2026, Alexander Hoegner was taken into custody at a gas station in Huntley, Illinois. He is scheduled to appear before a judge today at 1:30 p.m. at the Skokie Courthouse.
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Please remember that although a person may be charged with a crime, a charge is merely an accusation, and the person is innocent until proven guilty.