The tragic discovery of the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer’s widow and son was confirmed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners late Tuesday evening.
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On Tuesday, authorities found Barbara and Kaleb Deer deceased in a residence located on the 3500 block of West Arthington Street around 5:50 p.m.
According to Chicago police, Barbara, aged 51, suffered three gunshot wounds, while 23-year-old Kaleb was found with a gunshot wound to the head.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has classified the incident as a murder-suicide.
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In response to the heartbreaking news, both the Cook County Board Commissioners and the Chicago City Council expressed their sympathies and observed a moment of silence on Wednesday.
“It’s very troubling,” Cook County Board Commissioner Stanley Moore said. “I couldn’t sleep last night. I feel very sorry for the children their daughter was away at school.”
“They were pillars on the North Lawndale community for years, and years just wonderful friends and family of faith,” Cook County Board Commissioner Michael Scott Jr. said.
Dennis Deer died from complications from a double lung transplant in 2024.
Homan square neighbors are gathering Wednesday evening to honor Barbara Deer. She had organized a community walk starting Wednesday night, but now they are walking without their beloved neighbor.
“You never know if someone there is still mourning from the loss of something, and you never know what families are going through so we are trying to be supportive,” neighbor Rev. Chris Griffin said.
“It’s devastating,” neighbor Karen Archer said. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m overwhelmed. My kids and Barbara’s kids grew up together.”
Barbara Deer was the executive director of the Juneteenth Illinois. ABC7 spoke with her at last year’s celebration.
The president of Malcom X College, David Sanders, worked with Dennis Deer on Juneteenth Illinois at Malcolm X and worked with Barbara when she took for her husband.
“We were looking forward to this year,” Sander said. “I was just devastated it’s hard to understand what’s going on in life today, but this is a loss. A big loss.”
The Deers have two surviving children, Kaleb’s twin brother and a daughter.
Neighbors are also planning to have a memorial this Friday. Among the things they shared about Barbara, she was active in her AKA sorority and she was thrilled to be a grandmother to her first grandchild, a baby girl.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement, “Today, we mourn alongside the Deer family as they endure another heartbreaking and unimaginable loss with the passing of former Commissioner Dennis Deer’s beloved wife and son. The Deer family has long been well known in the community for their compassion and steadfast commitment to others. Their presence and service touched countless lives. There are no words that can make sense of such pain, but I hope the surviving family members find strength in the love that surrounds them. I extend my deepest condolences to all who loved them. We hold the Deer family in our hearts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, said in a statement, “The Deer Family is a part of the CFL Family. They have always been advocates for social and economic justice, public health, and visibility for those often overlooked. As we grapple with the tragic deaths of Barbara and Kaleb, I’m comforted by the memory of my dear friend Dennis, whose enduring spirit lives with me every day. It is with that spirit that we will work to continue the legacy of the Deers in all the ways that they supported the Lawndale Communities and beyond, as we comfort and pray for the Deer Family.”
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