Monday afternoon murder-suicide in Columbia

Toni Hannon

Toni Hannon

A second victim has died in a murder-suicide that occurred late Monday afternoon outside 901 High Ridge Drive in Columbia in the Pioneer Ridge subdivision.

Police initially responded to the scene when a neighbor called 911 to report hearing multiple gunshots in the area of 901 High Ridge Drive.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals who had suffered gunshot wounds laying in the street in front of 901 High Ridge,” said Columbia Chief of Police Joe Edwards.

The couple were identified as Toni K. Hannon, 53, of Belleville, and John M. Hannon Jr., 57, of Columbia.

The couple had recently divorced, according to Edwards, and were engaged in ongoing disputes about property. Toni had arrived at the home to retrieve belongings when she was confronted by John, who then shot her several times outside the home in the middle of a cul-de-sac.

“John then turned the gun on himself and took his own life,” Edwards said.

John Hannon Jr.

John Hannon Jr.

Police officers on the scene were attempting to perform lifesaving measures on the critically injured Toni Hannon, and when EMS arrived she was transported to St. Anthony’s Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries later that night.

Police immediately released a statement that the incident was being investigated as a domestic situation and that no one was else in danger.

“This is an isolated incident,” Paul assured.

Police said at that time that there have been previous 911 calls to the house for domestic issues in the past.

An Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation unit processed the scene Monday night and autopsies will be performed on the Hannons Tuesday, after which additional information will be released.

Andrea F.D. Saathoff

Andrea is a graduate of Gibault High School and the University of Missouri School of Journalism, the University of Missouri Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Education. She lives in Columbia with her husband and their twin toddler sons. When she isn't cheering on St. Louis Cardinals baseball or riding the emotional roller coaster of Mizzou Tigers football, she enjoys attending and participating in the many family events the county has to offer. email: andrea@republictimes.net
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