Joseph O. Burgess, a 35-year-old male resident of Braidwood, Illinois, tragically lost his life on April 2, 2017. The incident occurred at a home on Parkview Lane, where Joseph and his half-brother, James Benson, were found dead. Both men had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head. The Braidwood Police Department, along with the Will County Sheriff's Department and the Will County Forest Preserve Police, responded to the scene following a report of shots fired around 9:15 p.m. A .357 revolver and spent cartridges were recovered at the scene.
The investigation into the deaths of Joseph O. Burgess and James Benson revealed that the incident was likely a murder-suicide. Witnesses reported that the two brothers had been arguing throughout the evening, which escalated into a violent confrontation. A woman present at the scene witnessed the killings, while their mother, who was also home at the time, did not witness the shooting. The Braidwood Police Chief, Nick Ficarello, stated that there was no threat to the community, indicating that it was an isolated domestic incident.
Autopsies conducted by the Will County Coroner's Office confirmed that both Joseph O. Burgess and James Benson died from gunshot wounds to the head. The final determination of the cause and manner of death was pending further police, autopsy, and toxicology reports. The investigation was ongoing, with the police exploring the murder-suicide angle based on witness statements and evidence collected at the scene.
Joseph O. Burgess was remembered as a loving son, devoted father, and beloved boyfriend. His death, along with that of his brother, left a profound impact on their family and community. The tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths underscored the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues within families and communities.
