Highland Park, Illinois – Two brothers were tragically discovered dead in their home after a devastating fire early Wednesday morning. The Lake County Coroner’s office confirmed that both men, Marc Austwick, 63, and John Austwick, 60, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. The incident unfolded in the 1700 block of Park Avenue West, prompting a heavy response from multiple fire departments as flames engulfed the residence.
Upon receiving an alert from the City of Highland Park, resident Julie Smith, who resided near the scene, expressed initial shock and concern for her neighbors. The intensity of the fire necessitated the assistance of seven fire departments from neighboring areas to bring it under control. As the day broke, smoke continued to billow from the home, which had a for-sale sign displayed for over six months.
The unsettling discovery of the two brothers outside the burning house, coupled with reports of suspicious injuries, added a layer of mystery to the unfolding tragedy. A neighbor mentioned that their dog had alerted them to the fire, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the situation. Despite the somber events, the Lake County Sheriff’s office indicated that there was no imminent threat to the community.
Investigations into both the cause of the fire and the brothers’ deaths remain ongoing, with law enforcement agencies such as the Highland Park police, U.S. Marshal K9, Illinois State Fire Marshal, and ATF actively involved in the process. Authorities refrained from specifying whether the deaths were classified as homicides, indicative of the complex nature of the case.
The sudden and violent nature of the incident has left residents of the typically quiet neighborhood unsettled, with many grappling with feelings of worry and sorrow for their fallen neighbors. While no suspects were in custody at the time, detectives were reportedly making significant strides in piecing together the events leading up to the tragic outcome. The Lake County Coroner’s office maintained that the incident appeared to be isolated, offering a semblance of reassurance to the shaken community.