Five adults, including an elderly couple, their son and grandson, have been identified after they were found shot to death inside a home in Mundelein, Illinois, in what authorities believe was an apparent murder-suicide.
Mundelein police officers responded to a home in the 200 block of Wellington Avenue around 11:45 p.m. Sunday for a welfare check requested by a concerned family member who had been unable to reach one of the victims. Officers entered the home and found 5 adults dead inside, according to police. Firefighters also responded and confirmed the deaths.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victims Tuesday as James Schmidt, 80, and Rebecca Schmidt, 77, both of Mundelein; their son, Bryan Schmidt, 51, recently of Antioch and formerly of Lake Bluff; their grandson, Maclaine Schmidt, 22, of Lake Bluff; and Nicole Heiser, 37, recently of Antioch and formerly of Lake Bluff.
Maclaine Schmidt was Bryan Schmidt’s son, while Heiser was in a long-term relationship with Bryan Schmidt, the coroner said.
Autopsies found that James and Rebecca Schmidt died from multiple gunshot wounds. Maclaine Schmidt and Heiser each died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Bryan Schmidt died from a gunshot wound inside the mouth, according to the coroner’s office.
Police said a preliminary investigation indicates the deaths were an apparent murder-suicide. Investigators believe all 5 victims were shot at close range with a handgun, and 2 handguns were recovered at the scene.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what led to the shootings. Police said the incident appears to be isolated and there is no threat to the public.
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force and the Lake County Coroner’s Office are assisting Mundelein police with the investigation, which remains ongoing.