Margaret Jean Saffold, an 80-year-old African American woman, was found dead on December 23, 2019, in her home located in the 1600 block of South 16th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois. The tragic incident was a murder-suicide, where her husband, 76-year-old James Delane, shot her multiple times before turning the gun on himself. The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed that Margaret Saffold died from multiple injuries resulting from an assault, and her death was ruled a homicide. James Delane's death was ruled a suicide due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The police responded to the scene around 1 p.m. on the day of the incident, following reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of Margaret Saffold and James Delane. The authorities have not released additional details about the investigation, and there have been no reports of arrests, suspects, or litigations related to this case. The incident has been classified as a domestic violence case, highlighting the tragic consequences of such situations.
Margaret Saffold's death underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to those affected by it. The community of Maywood, IL, was left in shock and mourning following the incident, as they grappled with the loss of a beloved member. The police have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward, but as of now, no further developments have been reported.