Neighbors and friends grieve over death of Roscoe couple
Police say they died in an apparent domestic murder-suicide.
New Year’s Day, 2025, was the beginning of a new year. Unfortunately, it was a day of grief and disbelief in our little subdivision on Harrison Court in Roscoe.
About 10:30 am, I looked out our window and saw dozens of emergency vehicles, including Harlem Roscoe Fire Department, Roscoe Police personnel and Winnebago County Sheriff's deputies swarming the street. Seeing the yellow crime-scene tape surrounding the house, my husband and I knew something serious had happened.
A short while later, we learned that our neighbors were both dead. It appeared to be a domestic homicide-suicide event.
According to Deputy Coroner Matthew R. Lane, the names of the couple have not been released in an effort to protect the decedents and their families due to the sensitive and private nature of the incident.
The couple were private but friendly neighbors. They were married a few years after purchased the home on Harrison Court in 2006. They were both nature lovers who enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing together.
She had a green thumb and surrounded their house and yard with flowers and bushes. In spring, summer and fall, he spent a lot of time outside, tinkering and working on vehicles.
They loved their little dog and were often seen taking her for walks in the neighborhood.
He was a jovial, happy guy who seemed to love life. He was employed as a pharmaceutical representative.
She previously worked in an administration position at Goldie Floberg in Rockton. A few years ago, she decided to change careers and went back to school and became a registered nurse. She was employed by Swedish American Hospital, working in the emergency room.
It was a shock to everyone in our neighborhood when it was learned that their deaths were considered a domestic murder/suicide. A recent news release from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department determined that she died of multiple gunshot wounds at the hands of her husband. He then turned the gun on himself, taking his own life.
The Winnebago County Police Department is handling the case. According to Village of Roscoe Police Chief Sam Hawley, the two agencies are working closely to gather information and to expedite the case. Chief Hawley said the county is leading the investigation because they are better equipped to handle cases of this nature.
Caruana emphasized that the case was an isolated incident. There is no threat to the community.
“Abuse will not be tolerated.” Sheriff Caruana said. The sheriff’s office encourages those in abusive relationships to reach out to agencies in the Rockford area.
- Domestic Hotline 1-800-799-8233
- Winnebago County Domestic Violence Assistance Center, 400 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois, 815-516-2440
- Rockford Family Peace Center, 315 North Main Street, Rockford, Illinois
- Remedies, 215 Easton Parkway, Rockford, Illinois, 815-962-6102 24 hour hotline
The Roscoe Police Department and Winnebago County Police Department are working together in the ongoing investigation. More information, including the identification of the shooter and his wife, will be available following the police and coroner’s reports.
