WEST TOWN — An elderly woman and one of her adult sons died in an apparent murder-suicide on Tuesday in West Town's East Village neighborhood.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office identified the victims as Loretta A. Purcell, 84, and Christopher K. Purcell, 58, both of 835 N. Wolcott Ave.
Loretta Purcell was killed by "multiple sharp force injuries" and her death was ruled a homicide, while Christopher Purcell committed suicide by shooting himself in his head, according to a spokeswoman from the Medical Examiner's office.
Chicago Police would provide no information on what happened in the apartment Wednesday, but initially said a SWAT team responded to a "domestic-related shots fired call" which resulted in a barricade situation.
Neighbors who live near the Purcell's apartment building reported hearing four gunshots prior to the arrival of a SWAT truck, police and an ambulance around 5:07 p.m. Tuesday. The standoff continued for nearly five hours.
County tax records show that Loretta Purcell was the longtime owner of the large turn-of-century apartment building at 835 N. Wolcott Ave. where she died. She acquired the Victorian-era building in 1996 as the sole beneficiary from a trust.
A former tenant of Loretta Purcell's who asked not to be named, said that the family, which included another adult son and possibly more children, was "always fighting."
Attempts to reach Purcell family members were unsuccessful.
John Howard, who owns a two-flat across the street from the Purcell home, said he saw a man with his arms up in the middle of the street Tuesday night as the situation unfolded. He said the man was possibly another son of Loretta Purcell.
"[The man was] making it very clear that he was not armed," Howard said.
Police, who'd had their weapons drawn, approached the man, who then appeared to explain to authorities the situation happening inside of the first floor apartment.
"They talked to him on the street and within 20 minutes there were six squads cars," Howard said. "I was totally surprised because this street has always stayed calm."
Howard said he did not know Loretta Purcell well and had only met her briefly several years ago when she was doing repairs on the apartment building.
"They remodeled the building and rented out spaces over the years as the neighborhood gentrified and you now have people walking dogs and children. In the time period I've been on this block, this is first major crime incident. We've been fortunate," Howard said.
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