Chicago Family Linked to Double Murder Investigation

A Chicago family is now the focus of a double murder probe following the discovery of the widow and son of former Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deere, who were found shot in their West Side home on Tuesday.

Local officers arrived at the North Lawndale residence shortly before 6 p.m. to find Barbara Dear, 51, and her son Caleb Dear, 23, fatally shot. Reports indicated that Barbara sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her chest, while Caleb was shot in the head.

The events leading up to this tragic scene remain unclear. Authorities have confirmed that a murder weapon was located on-site, yet specific details have not been disclosed.

Pastor Chris Griffin, a neighbor, mentioned that police had responded to reports of suspicious activity at the Deere home. He recounted them receiving a call to “check on the welfare of the people in Barbara’s home.”

Griffin shared, “I didn’t know what was happening. The house was locked, both doors were shut, and the dog was barking outside. It’s just… not normal. The dog had been out for over an hour, which seemed pretty off.”

As it stands, the fatalities are classified as homicides, but there have been no arrests made yet.

Barbara Dear lived in North Lawndale with her husband, Dennis, who passed away in 2024 after a double lung transplant. Known for her active community involvement, she had a background in volunteering and serving on various local committees.