Five people are dead following a suspected murder-suicide that took place at a home in Illinois, which was owned by two retired veterinarians and their son.
The bodies of three men and two women were found in several different rooms in the home in Mundelein on the evening of Sunday, October 18, the Mundelein Police Department confirmed to Us. Four of those found dead were relatives, and authorities believe the killer was someone who was in a relationship with one of the victims.
The four victims were fatally shot at a close range before the killer died by suicide.
The suspected murder-suicide has left neighbors in shock, with many saying that the Chicago suburb is a safe area. In fact, the neighborhood’s crime rate is lower than the national average crime rate of 63 percent, according to WLS.
Following the shooting, some neighbors told the outlet that they believed the gunshots were firecrackers being set off following the Chicago Bears game against the Atlanta Falcons that same day.
“It’s a really safe, small town, so hearing this, five people dying, it’s kind of concerning,” neighbor Pavli Ibarra told WLS.
Meanwhile, neighbor Debbie Wunluck told the Daily Herald that “nothing like this happens around here.”
The bodies were eventually found when the elderly homeowners’ daughter called authorities from California and asked for a welfare check.
Authorities have not yet revealed the identities of those found in the home. However, NBC5 reported that retired veterinarians Rebecca Schmidt and James Schmidt lived in the house with their son, Bryan Schmidt.
Neighbors said that Rebecca, 77, and James, 80, were “very quiet people,” but were always kind to others.
“She was a spry, retired veterinarian,” one neighbor told the outlet of Rebecca. “She was a friendly person. She’d wave to people. She’d have conversations with all kinds of neighbors.”
Authorities have not shared many details about the case, as the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. However, it was revealed that two guns were found at the scene and a gray Volkswagen Jetta was sealed off after it was found parked in a neighboring funeral parlor.
Autopsies will be carried out on the five deceased to determine their causes of death.
Authorities have asked that anyone with additional information relating to the incident call the Mundelein Police Department at 847-968-4600.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
