The Cook County Board confirmed that Barbara and Caleb Dear, the widow and son of late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deere, were found shot dead at their home on West Arthington Street. Police reported Barbara, 51, was shot three times, while 23-year-old Caleb sustained a gunshot wound to the head, with the incident ruled a murder-suicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Political leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, expressed condolences, highlighting the Dears’ contributions to their North Lawndale community. Friends and neighbors gathered to honor Barbara, an active community leader and executive director of Juneteenth Illinois, who was looking forward to becoming a grandmother.
The tragedy deeply affected those in the community, prompting plans for a memorial service. Commissioner Stanley Moore and others shared sentiments about the Dears’ impact and the profound loss felt by the community. The Dears are survived by two other children.
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