Wife, son of late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer found shot, dead, Chicago officials say

The widow and son of the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer were found dead Tuesday evening, the Cook County Board of Commissioners confirmed.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is among the political and civic leaders offering condolences to the Deer family as community members mourn the tragedy.

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Barbara and Kaleb Deer were found shot to death in a home Tuesday in the 3500 block of West Arthington Street around 5:50 p.m.

Chicago police said Barbara, 51, was shot three times. Kaleb, 23, was shot in the head.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined it was a murder-suicide.

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Cook County Board Commissioners and the Chicago City Council both shared their condolences and observed a moment of silence Wednesday.

“It’s very troubling,” said Cook County Board Commissioner Stanley Moore. “I couldn’t sleep last night. I’m so sorry for the kids whose daughter was at school.”

“They have been pillars of the North Lawndale community for years, and years just wonderful friends and believing family,” said Cook County Board Commissioner Michael Scott Jr..

Dennis Deer died of complications from a double lung transplant in 2024.

Homan Square neighbors gathered Wednesday evening to honor Barbara Deer. She had organized a community walk starting Wednesday evening, but they had to walk without their beloved neighbor.

“You never know if someone is still grieving over the loss of something, and you never know what families are going through, so we try to be supportive,” said neighbor Rev. Chris Griffin.

“It’s devastating,” said neighbor Karen Archer. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m overwhelmed. My children and Barbara’s children grew up together.”

Barbara Deer was the executive director of Juneteenth Illinois. ABC7 spoke to him at last year’s celebration.

Malcom X College President David Sanders worked with Dennis Deer on Juneteenth Illinois at Malcolm

“We were looking forward to this year,” Sander said. “I was just devastated, it’s hard to understand what’s going on in life today, but it’s a loss. A big loss.”

The Deers have two surviving children, Kaleb’s twin brother and a daughter.

Among the things they shared about Barbara, she was active in her AKA sorority and she was excited to be a grandmother to her first grandchild, a baby girl.

With a release of emotions and balloons in the colors of Barbara’s sorority, her neighbors and friends began to say goodbye Wednesday evening.

Neighbors also plan to hold a memorial service this Friday.

“My deepest condolences to the Deer family, their loved ones, and the 2nd District community during this difficult time,” Governor Pritzker said in a statement. “Our hearts are with you all as you heal from this incomprehensible loss.”

Cook County Board Chairman Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement, “Today, we mourn alongside the Deer family as they suffer another heartbreaking and unimaginable loss with the passing of former Commissioner Dennis Deer’s beloved wife and son. I send my deepest condolences to all those 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 part of the CFL family. They have always advocated for social and economic justice, public health and visibility for those who are often overlooked. As we grapple with the tragic deaths of Barbara and Kaleb, I am comforted by the memory of my dear friend Dennis, whose enduring spirit is with me every day. they have supported the communities of Lawndale and beyond, as we comfort and pray for the Deer family. »