A well-known family in Chicago finds itself embroiled in a tragic investigation following the shocking deaths of the widow and son of the late Cook County Commissioner, Dennis Deer. The two were discovered deceased from gunshot wounds on Tuesday in a residence located on the city’s West Side.
Authorities arrived at the North Lawndale location shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, where they found 51-year-old Barbara Deer and her 23-year-old son, Kaleb Deer, victims of fatal shootings, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
The report detailed that Barbara Deer had sustained multiple gunshot injuries to her chest, while Kaleb Deer had been shot in the head.
The circumstances surrounding how their bodies were found remain unclear at this time.
Chicago police confirmed the discovery of the late commissioner’s widow and son, both found shot to death in their West Side residence. A firearm was recovered at the scene, although specifics about the weapon have not been disclosed.
Police noted a weapon was found at the scene, though its details have not yet been publicly released.
Neighbor Rev. Chris Griffin told WGN-TV there was suspicious activity at the Deer household before police responded, noting he received a call to “check on someone in Barbara’s home.”
This graphic, taken from the Fox News Channel on Nov. 12, showcases a dropoff in Chicago crime statistics since the dawn of Operation Midway Blitz. (Fox News)
“We didn’t know what was going on,” Griffin told the outlet. “When we got here, the house was locked, both doors were closed, their dog was outside barking, which is not normal.… The dog had been out for over an hour, and that was a little bit of a red flag.”
The deaths are being investigated as homicide, according to the report. No arrests have been announced.
Authorities have not yet released any suspect information or arrests. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images, File)
Barbara Deer, a North Lawndale native, married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Deer, 51, who died in 2024 following a double lung transplant, FOX 32 and WGN-TV reported.
She was active in the community, volunteering and sitting on various community committees.
