Terry A. Barnett, Jr., a 47-year-old resident of Marion, Illinois, died on August 8, 2024, in a shooting incident in Morris, Illinois. The incident occurred in the parking lot of Canalport Park, located at 311 W. Illinois Avenue in Morris. According to the Grundy County Coroner's Office, led by Coroner John W. Callahan, Barnett was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:36 p.m..
The investigation, which involves the Morris Police Department and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene services, began after reports of gunshots were received around 12:05 p.m. on the same day. Police responded to the area and found Barnett deceased in a truck. A second family member, who was present at the scene, was transported to the hospital with severe injuries.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Barnett sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The coroner's office, after reviewing reports from the forensic autopsy, toxicology, and scene investigation, determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound and the manner of death was ruled as a suicide.
The police have stated that the incident appeared to be contained within the truck between the two individuals involved, with no one else seen approaching or leaving the scene. The area around Illinois Avenue between Division Street and Wauponsee Street was closed to facilitate the ongoing investigation by the police and the Illinois State Police crime lab.
Barnett's death was preceded by a call from his mother to Grundy County Dispatch, expressing concern for her son after he sent her a text message indicating he was by the I&M Canal in Morris. The police are handling the case with caution to protect the integrity of the investigation while keeping the community informed.
