Mundelein police have released the identities of five people killed in an apparent murder-suicide this week.
Five adults, all related, were found dead after a concerned family member called for a well-being check in the 200 block of Wellington Street around 11:45 p.m. Sunday, Mundelein police said.
The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as 80-Year-old James Schmidt, 77-year-old Rebecca Schmidt, 22-year-old Maclaine Schmidt, 37-year-old Nicole Heiser and 51-year-old Bryan Schmidt.
Bryan Schmidt is believed to be the alleged perpetrator, police said.
He allegedly shot his four family members before turning the gun on himself, Mundelein police said the preliminary investigation found.
Multiple suicide notes were left by Bryan Schmidt and found on the scene, police said. The shootings are believed to have taken place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday.
The family of Heiser, in a statement Wednesday, remembered the woman as a "bright, compassionate soul" who expressed deep love for animals and serving others.
"We refuse to let her be defined by this horrific violence or simply as a murder victim," the statement said. "Nicole was loyal beyond measure, generous in her time, and an esteemed animal empath — both professionally and within the community. Nicole had a great reverence for the natural world and lived with a sense of stewardship. We are so grateful for our beautiful time together and feel her presence strongly in our precious memories and calm winds."
Police said they have not had any prior contact with Bryan Schmidt and are working to determine the motive for the shooting.
Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to call the Mundelein Police Department at 847-968-4600.
