Monday afternoon murder-suicide in Columbia
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.
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.