HIGHLAND PARK, IL – Authorities have confirmed that a man is in custody and being questioned in connection with a double homicide that occurred early Wednesday morning in Highland Park. The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force spokesman, Christopher Covelli, stated that further details would be disclosed later on Friday.
The incident took place at approximately 3:50 a.m. on June 7, when two brothers, Marc Austwick, 63, of Lake Forest, and John Austwick, 60, of Mundelein, were discovered dead outside a burning home on the 1700 block of Park Avenue West. Highland Park’s Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene, where firefighters found the victims in the grass with suspicious injuries.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that both men had died from multiple gunshot wounds. No other individuals were found inside or outside the residence. Due to the nature of the injuries, Highland Park Police sought assistance from the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.
Firefighters from Glencoe, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Northbrook, Northfield, and Long Grove helped extinguish the blaze. Park Avenue West was closed between Ridge Road and Sunnyside Avenue on Wednesday and Thursday to facilitate the investigation.
Officials have indicated that preliminary information suggests the incident was isolated, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active, and more information is expected to be released soon.