BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Bloomington Police say a 33-year-old man fatally shot his girlfriend, her 13-year-old son, and the woman’s friend before shooting himself on Sunday morning.
Police and the McLean County Coroner released preliminary findings of their investigation Monday night, as well as the names of the four people found dead at the home in the 900 block of N. Lee Street.
Found dead at the scene were Christopher Simmons, of Bloomington, who police say turned the gun on himself after killing his three victims.
Also identified were Simmons’ girlfriend, 31-year-old Chelsea Lusher, her son Armoni Bennett, both of Bloomington, and Lusher’s friend, 31-year-old Trina Hollings of Normal.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate all three victims died from multiple gunshot wounds, while Simmons died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Police say another resident of the home discovered the scene on Sunday, then called police.
Police said Monday night that the murder weapon was found under Simmons’ body. He reportedly bought the gun legally in 2021, but his FOID card was revoked sometime after that, and he was no longer allowed to possess or purchase firearms.
Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington issued a statement Monday night:
“Our entire department mourns because of the unfortunate loss of life in our community. We stand for all who were victimized and offer our thoughts and prayers. Life is so precious, and we will remain anchored in justice and working with the community to enhance the quality of life here in Bloomington. I commend our professional staff and officers for their painstaking work on this high-profile investigation. We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked diligently with our public safety partners and the community to gather facts prior to releasing details. This slight delay is necessary and out of respect for justice and the families of the victims.”
Circumstances behind the incident are still being investigated by Bloomington Police and the McLean County Coroner’s Office. Anyone with information should contact Detective Kevin Raisbeck at 309-434-2593 or Kraisbeck@cityblm.org.
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