Investigators have released new details and closed the case into a man who shot four of his female family members, killing three of them, before killing himself near Crystal Lake in August.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 3:56 a.m. on August 9 to the 5800 block of Wild Plum Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake for a shooting.
An initial 911 caller reported at least four people were shot inside the home and the gunman was still at the scene.
A medical helicopter was placed on standby and five ambulances were called to the scene.
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tim Creighton said during a press conference at the time that deputies were called for a report of a household member who shot their relatives.
Deputies found three deceased adult females, which included Lauren Smith-Song, 32; Yuna Song, 49; and Chang Song, 73.
They also found an adult male, Jean Song, 44, who was critically injured. An adult female, whose identity was not released, was seriously injured.
All five people involved were family members, the sheriff’s office said.
The seriously injured woman, who called 911, was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released.
Jean Song, who was the shooter, was also transported to a local hospital where he died.
Sheriff’s officials said in an update on Friday — almost five months since the incident — that an investigation showed a familial domestic situation escalated from a verbal dispute to physical violence.
Investigators confirmed Jean Song shot all four women, killing three, before shooting himself.
He possessed a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card and concealed carry license.
Investigators concluded that the shooter was “most likely suffering from a mental health crisis.”
“McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and its partnering law enforcement agencies work with the Police Social Work Program and countless other local social service providers who are specifically trained in aiding residents with many conditions and circumstances. We encourage community members to take advantage of these resources,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said they did not have any calls for service at the residence prior to the incident.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and the McHenry County Major Investigation Assistance Team have closed their investigation into the murder-suicide, sheriff’s officials said Friday.
“McHenry County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank MIAT, Crystal Lake Police Department, and all rescue personnel for their assistance during this incident,” the office said.