3 Found Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide In Oak Forest
Updated 02/09/16 - 8:15 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A husband, wife, and son were found dead Monday night in their home in Oak Forest, and police said they were the victims of an apparent murder-suicide.
David Joost, 54, his wife, Margaret O'Leary-Joost, 55, and their son, Daniel Joost, 18, were found dead after police conducted a well-being check at their home in the 6600 block of Courtney Drive around 8 p.m. Monday.
Oak Forest Police Chief Gregory Anderson said a co-worker of Margaret Joost requested the well-being check after she did not show up for work on Monday, and did not call in sick. She also had missed work on Friday, but called in sick then, Anderson said.
When officers arrived at the Joost family home Monday night, they saw blood seeping from under the garage door.
"Officers forced entry into the home, and found a gruesome scene," Anderson said.
Margaret Joost and Daniel Joost were found in their beds, and both appeared to have been strangled, Anderson said.
David Joost was found dead in the garage. He had left the car running in the garage, slit his wrists, and hung himself, but had collapsed to the ground by the time police arrived.
A preliminary investigation indicated the Joosts died Friday night or very early Saturday. He said it's not uncommon, when a person hangs himself or herself, that the weight pulling on the rope or belt that was used will cause it to collapse.
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Anderson said David Joost recently lost his job in Orland Park, and the family was struggling financially, but he could not elaborate on their financial problems.
The Joosts also have a daughter who is a student at Millikin University in Decatur. Anderson said she has been notified.
"We can't imagine what she's got to be going through, any of us that happens to get called in the middle of the night and be told something like this tragically had happened," Anderson said.
Anderson confirmed Daniel Joost was autistic, but he did not know the severity of the teen's condition.
Neighbors were shocked to learn of the deaths.
"They were nice. … We mostly see them in the summertime, like everybody around the neighborhood. He barbecued dinner every night, and she was always out tending the flowers, and the house was very well-kept," neighbor Bill O'Malley said. "It's a shame, really."
The victims' causes of death have not been officially determined. Autopsies were scheduled for Tuesday.
