CRYSTAL LAKE, Illinois – Five months after a tragic shooting left a family dead in their Crystal Lake-area home, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that their investigation has concluded it was a triple murder-suicide. The incident, which took place on August 9, resulted in the deaths of three family members and the suicide of the shooter, Jean Song.
According to the sheriff’s office, Jean Song, the shooter, was likely suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. They stated that the situation started as a verbal dispute and escalated into physical violence, resulting in the tragic deaths of the family members.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office disclosed that the shooter had a valid firearm owner’s identification card and concealed carry license. It was concluded that he shot all four females, killing three of them, before taking his own life.
The McHenry County Coroner also released the causes of death, ruling the deaths of Chang Hee Song, Yuna Song, and Lauren Smith-Song as homicides from multiple gunshot wounds, and Jean Song’s death as a suicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
Furthermore, a fifth person who was present at the time of the shooting sustained serious injuries but survived and has since been released from the hospital.
The sheriff’s office has encouraged community members to take advantage of social service resources available to aid residents dealing with various conditions and circumstances. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the McHenry County Major Investigations Assistance Team. The sheriff’s office stated that they had no prior interaction at the residence before the tragic shooting.
In conclusion, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has determined that the incident at the Crystal Lake-area home was a result of a domestic situation that turned deadly, resulting in the deaths of three family members and the shooter himself. The investigation has shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and the availability of social service resources for community members in need.