World · North America · 1 hr ago
Illinois veterinarian and four family members found dead in suspected murder-suicide
Five people were found dead in a Mundelein home in a suspected murder-suicide, police say.
The victims were veterinarian Bryan Schmidt, 51, his parents James and Rebecca, his longtime girlfriend Nicole Heiser, and his 22-year-old son, Maclaine.
Police went to the house for a welfare check after a family member said they could not reach their relatives.
Officers found all five dead from gunshot wounds, and a preliminary investigation indicated they were likely killed in a murder-suicide.
Police have not identified a motive, and they said they had no prior contact with Schmidt or the other victims.
Investigators are analyzing evidence from the scene, including electronic devices, to establish what happened.
Heiser’s relatives and neighbors have spoken of their shock and grief, while police have asked the public to respect the families’ privacy.
Police in Mundelein, Illinois, said five people were found dead in a home in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide.
The dead were veterinarian Bryan Schmidt, 51, his parents James and Rebecca Schmidt, his son Maclaine Schmidt, and his longtime girlfriend Nicole Heiser.
Officers went to the home for a wellbeing check after a family member said they could not reach relatives.
A preliminary investigation indicated the victims had been shot with a handgun, police said.
Police said the motive was unclear and that they were examining evidence, including electronic devices.
- Who
- Veterinarian Bryan Schmidt, 51, and four family members: James Schmidt, Rebecca Schmidt, Maclaine Schmidt and Nicole Heiser.
- What
- Five people were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide. Police said all appeared to have been shot.
- When
- Sunday night; the article does not state the date of the deaths.
- Where
- A home on Wellington Avenue in Mundelein, a Chicago suburb in Illinois.
- Why
- The motive is unclear, and police said they had no prior contact with Schmidt or the other victims.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Police found five people dead at the home in Mundelein.
Officers were dispatched to the home for a wellbeing check.
- Victims
- Bryan Schmidt, 51; James Schmidt, 80; Rebecca Schmidt, 77; Maclaine Schmidt, 22; Nicole Heiser, 37
- Location
- Wellington Avenue, Mundelein, Illinois
- Business
- Northern Illinois Cat Clinic, Libertyville
- Weapons
- Two handguns were later found at the scene
- Investigation
- Police were analyzing evidence, including electronic devices
What people are saying
are in pieces, trying to make sense of everything.
was betrayed, shot and killed by her boyfriend of 11 years.
We ask the public to respect the privacy of the families during this difficult time.
I'm horrified that this would happen to somebody and somebody that I know.