On December 18, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Mahomet, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of three family members: 61-year-old Janis Mason, her 26-year-old daughter Sara Mason, and her 23-year-old son Caleb Mason. The Mahomet Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in the 1100 block of Riverside Drive around 9:41 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found all three individuals with life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Sara Mason was pronounced dead at the scene, while Janis and Caleb were transported to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where they succumbed to their injuries shortly after 10 p.m.
The suspect in this triple homicide was identified as 24-year-old John R. Lyons of Westchester, Illinois. According to authorities, Lyons had a prior connection to one of the victims, Caleb Mason. Court records indicate that Lyons had filed a civil lawsuit against Caleb in June 2024, seeking monetary damages ranging from $15,000 to $50,000.
Following the shootings in Mahomet, Lyons traveled approximately 120 miles north to Berwyn, a suburb of Chicago. At around 11:38 p.m. on the same night, Berwyn police officers responded to reports of a man with a gun in the 1800 block of Home Avenue. Upon arrival, officers spotted Lyons, who fled on foot and forced entry into a residence on Wenonah Avenue, where he fatally shot two dogs. Officers later observed Lyons in a nearby yard; he ignored their commands to stop and opened fire on them. The officers returned fire, fatally striking Lyons. No officers were injured during the exchange.
The Mahomet community has been deeply affected by this tragedy. Neighbors and friends have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of the Mason family, describing the neighborhood as typically quiet and the events as unimaginable. A vigil was held to honor the victims, reflecting the community's grief and search for answers in the wake of this senseless act.
