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Family of Five Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide
20 Oct
Summary
- Five individuals were discovered deceased in a Mundelein residence.
- Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent murder-suicide.
- Two handguns were recovered by law enforcement at the scene.
Mundelein police responded to a welfare check at a residence on Wellington Avenue late Sunday evening after receiving a report from a concerned family member. Officers discovered five deceased individuals inside the home: three men and two women. All victims appeared to have sustained close-range gunshot wounds from a handgun.
A preliminary investigation has led authorities to classify the incident as an apparent murder-suicide. The Lake County Coroner's office subsequently identified the deceased as James Schmidt, 80, and Rebecca Schmidt, 77, who resided at the home. Also identified were their grandson Maclaine Schmidt, 22, their son Bryan Schmidt, 51, and Nicole Heiser, 37, who was in a relationship with Bryan Schmidt.
Two handguns were discovered at the scene by investigators. The Mundelein Police Department, in conjunction with the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The motive for the shootings has not yet been revealed by police. Prior to Sunday's discovery, Mundelein police had no record of service calls to the Wellington Avenue address.
