Wife Barbara, son Kaleb of late Cook County Commissioner Deer Denis found shot, dead in home on West Arthington Street: police
CHICAGO (WLS) — The widow and son of the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer were found dead Tuesday night, Cook County Board of commissioners confirmed.
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Barbara and Kaleb Deer were found shot in a home on Tuesday in the 3500-block of West Arthington Street at about 5:50 p.m.
Chicago police said 51-year-old Barbara had been shot three times.
Kaleb, 23, had a single gunshot wound to the head, according to police.
Cook County Board Commissioners shared their condolences on Wednesday and paused for a moment of silence on Wednesday.
Dennis Deer died from complications from a double lung transplant in 2024.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement, “Today, we mourn alongside the Deer family as they endure another heartbreaking and unimaginable loss with the passing of former Commissioner Dennis Deer’s beloved wife and son. The Deer family has long been well known in the community for their compassion and steadfast commitment to others. Their presence and service touched countless lives. There are no words that can make sense of such pain, but I hope the surviving family members find strength in the love that surrounds them. I extend my deepest condolences to all who loved them. We hold the Deer family in our hearts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, said in a statement, “The Deer Family is a part of the CFL Family. They have always been advocates for social and economic justice, public health, and visibility for those often overlooked. As we grapple with the tragic deaths of Barbara and Kaleb, I’m comforted by the memory of my dear friend Dennis, whose enduring spirit lives with me every day. It is with that spirit that we will work to continue the legacy of the Deers in all the ways that they supported the Lawndale Communities and beyond, as we comfort and pray for the Deer Family.”
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