John Austwick’s daughter, Samantha, has organized a fundraiser on gofundme after he left behind his wife Laura, and his two daughters, Samantha 26, and Kelsy 24, as a victim of a double homicide on Wednesday, June 4, 2024. John, or better known as Joe by his friends and family, was 60 years-old when he and his brother Marc, age 63, were allegedly shot by their youngest brother, Jeffrey Austwick, age 54.
John lit up every room he walked in and could put a smile on anyone’s face. John had so much more life to live, at 60 years old he was in the beginning steps of starting his own carpentry business; a life long dream of his. He also had his daughter Kelsy’s law school graduation to look forward to in the coming years. In lieu of flowers please consider a small donation to help the family he leaves behind. Donations will go towards John’s funeral and to continue his dream of having his youngest daughter graduate law school. John’s wake will be held June 13th. His brother Marc’s service will be announced shortly.
Two people were found deceased at the scene of a house fire on Park Avenue West in Highland Park early Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and police canvassed a neighbor, showed her a picture of a man, and asked if she ever saw the man before. (Erik Runge/WGN News). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Highland Park Police Investigators and Lake County Major Crime Task Force Investigators obtained evidence that Jeffrey S. Austwick, 54, of the 1700 block of Park Avenue West, Highland Park, who is in custody, was responsible for shooting his brothers, John Austwick and Marc Austwick.
A preliminary investigation indicates Marc and John went to the Park Avenue West home to discuss the property with Jeffrey. The property was owned by the mother of the three, and she recently passed away. The investigation shows after they arrived, Jeffrey shot Marc and John, then set the home on fire. Jeffrey then fled from the area in his vehicle.
Investigators obtained a nationwide arrest warrant for Jeffrey late in the day on June 5, 2024 for two counts of murder. On June 7, 2024, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Jeffrey was arrested at a park in St. Louis, Missouri by local authorities.
Jeffrey Austwick on Friday evening is in custody in Missouri, pending an initial court hearing.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The booking photo was initially unavailable.
— Lake County Sheriff’s Office
The identities of the brothers were released Wednesday night, June 5, 2024 regarding two deceased men, who were found outside an intense house fire on Park Avenue West in Highland Park. The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the men as brothers, 63-year-old Marc Austwick, of Lake Forest, and 60-year-old John Austwick, of Mundelein. On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, autopsies were conducted at the Lake County Coroner’s Office. Autopsy results indicate that both of the deceased men died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force and Highland Park Police Department immediately began investigating the deaths of the two brothers found outside a house fire scene.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office initially announced earlier today that around 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Highland Park police and firefighters responded to a residential structure fire in the 1700 block of Park Avenue West. After arriving, two adult male victims (who were believed to be related) were located outside of the home with suspicious injuries. Both of the victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Firefighters extinguished the fire, and no other victims were located inside or outside of the home.
Based on the victims’ injuries, Highland Park Police requested the assistance of the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, preliminary information indicates the incident is isolated, and that there is no known threat to the community.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and autopsies on the victims were immediately scheduled.
Both the fire and death investigations remain active, and additional information will be released as it is available, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The afternoon press release did not indicate whether the fire appeared to be intentionally set.
INITIAL REPORT …
Two people were found deceased at the scene of fire in a one-story home in Highland Park overnight.
Police, firefighters, and paramedics from Highland Park responded about 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024 to a report of a house fire in the block of 1700 Park Avenue West in Highland Park. A 9-1-1 caller reported that a neighbor’s house had fire showing through the roof. Very large flames were visible from the house.
Firefighters elevated the fire department response to a Confirmed Fire Response by 3:53 a.m.
Battalion 33 reported a single-family home with fire through the roof.
The bodies of the two people were recovered by 3:57 a.m. while firefighters were also working to extinguish the house fire. Their identities were not initially disclosed.
No other injuries were reported.
Park Avenue West was closed between Ridge Road and Sunnyside Avenue in Highland Park.
The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, and ATF were assigned to the scene to assist local fire investigators with the investigation. The Lake County Coroner’s
The home has been for sale since November 2023.
Firefighters battled a blaze at a home in Highland Park Wednesday morning where two people were found deceased (FOX 32 Chicago). YouTube Tips ⓘ
The information in this article is an early report published before complete summary information was confirmed or released by police or fire authorities.
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