Mason Sanders, a 10-year-old boy from Chicago, Illinois, tragically lost his life on August 27, 2018, in a harrowing incident that shook the community. Mason, along with his twin sister Addison Sanders, was fatally shot by their father, Derrick Sanders, in what authorities described as a murder-suicide. The incident occurred in the family's apartment located in the West Rogers Park neighborhood.
Derrick Sanders, 45, used a shotgun to shoot his children in the back of their heads before turning the gun on himself. The father was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face. The deaths of Mason and Addison were ruled homicides following autopsies conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Sanders family had a history of joint custody arrangements, with the children living primarily with their mother in Uptown and visiting their father every other weekend. On the morning of the incident, neighbors reported hearing three loud gunshots with long pauses in between, which ultimately led to the discovery of the tragic scene. The children's mother became concerned when their nanny was unable to enter the apartment and subsequently contacted the landlord, who then alerted the authorities.
Derrick Sanders had no prior history with the Chicago Police Department, and there were no previous indications of violence or threats. Neighbors described Derrick as someone who showed signs of depression, but they never anticipated such a devastating outcome. The community was left in shock and mourning, with many expressing their condolences and disbelief over the senseless act. The police and community leaders emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and support to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
There were no arrests or ongoing investigations related to the deaths of Mason and Addison Sanders, as the perpetrator, Derrick Sanders, had taken his own life. The case was closed following the confirmation of the murder-suicide by the authorities. The incident highlighted the critical need for mental health resources and support systems for families dealing with custody disputes and other stressors.
