Toni Ladd, a 50-year-old woman from Herrin, Illinois, tragically passed away on February 25, 2017. The circumstances surrounding her death were deeply distressing, as it was determined to be a murder-suicide. According to initial investigations, Gregory Kinser, also from Herrin, shot Toni Ladd before turning the gun on himself. The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on a Saturday night. Toni Ladd was taken by ambulance from the scene and transferred to a hospital in St. Louis, where she later died. Gregory Kinser was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the murder-suicide was conducted by the Herrin Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Williamson County Coroner's office. The authorities were called to a home in the 600 block of North 31st Street around 9:15 p.m. on the night of the incident. The coroner, Junior Burke, confirmed that Kinser shot Ladd before taking his own life. The autopsy for both individuals was scheduled for the following day to further understand the circumstances of their deaths.
Toni Ladd's death was a significant loss to her community. She was remembered fondly by her family and friends, who expressed their condolences and shared memories on her obituary page. The funeral service for Toni Ladd was held at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin, with visitation taking place the evening before. Memorial donations were suggested to benefit her grandchildren, Izzabella and Axton.
The tragic event left the community of Herrin in shock, as they grappled with the sudden and violent loss of two of their residents. The investigation into the murder-suicide aimed to provide answers and closure to those affected by the incident.
