Wife and Son of Former Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer Found Dead in Chicago Home
Barbara Deer, 54, and her son Kaleb Deer, 23, were found fatally shot inside their home in the Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. Police responded to the residence on the 3500 block of West Arthington Street after neighbors reported the family dog had been outside for several hours. Upon breaching the home, authorities discovered the victims in the basement; Barbara had sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest, while Kaleb was shot in the head. A weapon was recovered at the scene. Barbara Deer was the widow of former Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, who died in June 2024. She was a speech-language pathologist and community leader who had previously sought appointment to her late husband’s board seat. Dennis Deer was known for his advocacy in mental health and criminal justice reform. Harrison Area detectives are currently investigating the double homicide. The incident has drawn mourning from local neighbors and elected officials, highlighting the tragedy affecting a prominent family deeply involved in Chicago’s civic and health sectors.
Wire timeline
Wife and Son of Former Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer Found Dead in Chicago Home
Barbara Deer, 54, and her son Kaleb Deer, 23, were found fatally shot inside their home in the Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. Police responded to the residence on the 3500 block of West Arthington Street after neighbors reported the family dog had been outside for several hours. Upon breaching the home, authorities discovered the victims in the basement; Barbara had sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest, while Kaleb was shot in the head. A weapon was recovered at the scene. Barbara Deer was the widow of former Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, who died in June 2024. She was a speech-language pathologist and community leader who had previously sought appointment to her late husband’s board seat. Dennis Deer was known for his advocacy in mental health and criminal justice reform. Harrison Area detectives are currently investigating the double homicide. The incident has drawn mourning from local neighbors and elected officials, highlighting the tragedy affecting a prominent family deeply involved in Chicago’s civic and health sectors.
chicagotribune