Crime
Five Family Members Found Dead in West Valley City Home in Suspected Homicide
At this time, it remains unclear whether the 17-year-old boy is a suspect or a victim.
Tragedy struck a quiet West Valley City neighborhood on Tuesday when five family members, including three children, were found dead in their home in what police are investigating as a homicide.
The discovery was made at a residence on the 3700 block of Oxford Way in the afternoon, according to Roxeanne Vainuku, a spokeswoman for the West Valley City Police Department.
Concerns arose when a relative of the family attempted to contact a woman living in the home over several days but received no response.
On Monday night, officers conducted a welfare check at the residence but found no signs of an emergency or criminal activity.
The situation escalated when the woman failed to show up for work on Tuesday. Concerned, the relative entered the home through the garage, where she discovered a 17-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound.
Police were called to the scene around 2:10 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found the injured teenager in the garage. He was promptly transported to a hospital and remains in critical condition with significant injuries.
Inside the home, officers made a grim discovery: the bodies of five family members.
The victims were identified as a 42-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, an 11-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old girl.
Police confirmed that all six individuals lived in the home and were part of the same family. Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
A search warrant has been obtained to further examine the property.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the 17-year-old boy is a suspect or a victim.
Police emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and assured the public that there are no suspects at large.
The tragedy has left neighbors on the typically tranquil street in shock.
“This is just a total shock. I can’t believe this happened,” said Michael Webster, a neighbor who noted that nothing like this had ever occurred in their area before.
Another neighbor, Tristan Williams, expressed disbelief, saying, “You don’t really realize how real the world can be until it’s close to home.”
Neighbors also noted unusual activity in the days leading up to the discovery, including a family dog that had gone unfed.
As the investigation unfolds, police are focused on piecing together what happened inside the home and determining the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
The West Valley City community is reeling from the loss of an entire family and grappling with the unimaginable tragedy that has shaken their sense of safety and peace.
Chatham, Illinois — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident after a woman drove her vehicle through a daycare and after-school camp facility, resulting in multiple casualties.
According to Illinois State Police, the incident occurred when Marianne Akers drove a Jeep through the YNot After-School Camp in Chatham.
Witnesses reported that Akers struck several children outside the building before crashing through the facility and exiting from the opposite side.
Officials confirmed that four victims, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years old, were killed in the incident.
Six additional individuals sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Akers was also taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Authorities on the scene conducted a field sobriety test on Akers, which she reportedly failed.
Multiple sources and witnesses at the scene have stated that Akers appeared intoxicated, and preliminary reports indicate that driving under the influence (DUI) is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash.
Police have taken Akers into custody.
Charges are pending the results of further investigation and toxicology reports.
Officials have emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, with some community members calling for stringent penalties for DUI offenses involved in fatal crashes.
It has also been confirmed that Akers was employed by the Chatham School District’s food service department at the time of the incident.
Law enforcement agencies, including Illinois State Police and Chatham Police Department, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Additional details, including formal charges, are expected to be released in the coming days.
Anyone with further information regarding the incident is urged to contact Illinois State Police or local law enforcement.