Wheeling, Illinois – The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has concluded that the deaths of Marisa Dister and Russell O’Connor were the result of murder followed by suicide. Marisa Dister suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the neck, while Russell O’Connor died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The tragic discovery was made when Marisa Dister, who failed to show up for work at Old Munich Tavern & Grill, was found deceased alongside her boyfriend, Russell O’Connor, at their residence on 12th Street in Wheeling. The police department had previously responded to domestic-related calls at the same address.
Despite no reports from neighbors hearing gunshots, the Wheeling Police Department is investigating the timeline of events leading to the deaths. Police were called to the scene around 5:42 p.m. after a well-being check revealed the bodies of the deceased couple. Paramedics later arrived, confirming the deaths of both individuals inside the home.
Authorities indicated that the couple had been involved in a “strained domestic relationship.” The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victims’ identities as Marisa Dister, 46, and Russell O’Connor, 44. The nature of the injuries causing their deaths was not initially disclosed on Friday morning.
The residence, situated in a quiet cul-de-sac a few blocks away from the Wheeling Police Department headquarters, was declared secure by the police, who found a firearm at the scene. Social media accounts of the victims showed their publicly displayed relationship, documenting events such as a recent anniversary celebration and a night out at a comedy show.
Marisa Dister leaves behind two adult daughters from a previous relationship, neither of whom resided with her at the home. The incident marks the most recent homicide case in Wheeling, following a murder-suicide that occurred in 2022. Authorities maintained that there is no imminent threat to the public related to this incident.