Community Corner

Stabbing Deaths of Downers Grove Couple Ruled Murder-Suicide

Police said that Thomas Smith killed his wife, Jennifer Smith, before taking his own life. Their bodies were found Friday at their home in the 6200 block of Park Avenue.

The stabbing deaths of a couple in Downers Grove have been ruled a murder-suicide, authorities said Monday. 

The bodies of Thomas F. Smith, 41, and Jennifer M. Smith, were discovered in the 6200 block of Park Avenue on Friday afternoon while police officers were conducting a well-being check. Both died of stab wounds, according to the DuPage County Coroner's Office.

Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, it appears that Thomas Smith killed his wife before committing suicide, Downers Grove Police Lt. Mike Willison said.

It does not appear that anyone else was present during the incident, Willison said.

Several neighbors described the Smiths as a quiet couple, and were shocked when they learned what happened Friday.

Willison confirmed that couple had an 11-year-old daughter, who was not home when the bodies were found. She is fine and with relatives, he said.


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