An Elgin man apparently shot his wife before turning the murder weapon on himself Friday in the couple’s home on the city’s east side, police said.
Elgin police found the bodies of Keith Herrmann, 28, and Madeline Herrmann, 25, when they entered the condominium unit in the 300 block of Woodview Circle shortly after 10 a.m. Friday.
Madeline Herrmann’s parents called police because she did not answer her phone at work and nobody answered the door at the home, although a TV set was on and the couple’s cars were parked outside, police said.
Police recovered a handgun near the bodies.
Paramedics came to the scene, but the Herrmanns were already dead, according to reports.
Police Friday night said the investigation was continuing, and autopsies were scheduled for Saturday.
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“Preliminary investigation shows that Keith Herrmann shot his wife, Madeline, and then took his own life,” police said in a statement.
Madeline Herrmann’s uncle, Bob Blum, said her family was shocked.
“She was the apple of our eyes,” Blum said. “It was just out of the blue.”
Neighbors in the condominium complex said they hadn’t noticed any sign of domestic strife.
“They were really nice people,” said neighbor Ronald Galbraith. “[Keith] really loved working on cars.”
Galbraith and his wife, Peg, said Keith Herrmann helped neighbors wash their cars and often helped with yardwork around the complex.
“I just figured they were a nice, devoted couple,” Peg Galbraith said.
“It seems like they had a lot going for them. … It’s terrible.”