Coronavirus Murder-Suicide: Illinois Man Shoots Girlfriend, Himself Over COVID-19 Fears

A man from Illinois shot and killed his girlfriend, and then himself, fearing that they may both be positive for COVID-19.

Authorities found the body of Patrick Jesernik, 54, and Cheryl Schriefer, 59, in separate rooms of their house Thursday (April 2) evening. The police also found a loaded revolver with two empty shells near Jesernik's body.

The deputies had been dispatched to the house for a wellness check. The couple lived some 30 miles away from southwest Chicago at the Lockport Township. A man who was at the scene with the cops said that they asked for a wellness check after Jesernik's parents started worrying that they have not heard from their son.

"A check of the address was conducted by detectives, which showed no previous calls for service in regards to domestic disputes," said a spokesperson for the sheriff's office. "A check of both deceased individuals was also conducted, which showed very limited police contact."

As all the doors and windows were locked, the police forcibly entered the house and discovered the couple's bodies, amid "pooling of blood formed around their heads." The investigation showed no signs of struggle or burglary as the house was neat and orderly.

The police determined that Jesernik shot his girlfriend and then shot himself. Family members told the police that the couple has been together for eight years but were never married.

Apparently, Schriefer was waiting for her COVID-19 test results a few days prior after she experienced difficulty in breathing. As far as the family members know, she had yet to get the test results.

An autopsy Friday confirmed that their deaths were due to a single gunshot wound each to the head. Jesernik's death was ruled as a self-inflicted gunshot wound or suicide while the police ruled that Schriefer's death was a homicide. Both, however, were negative for COVID-19.

The sheriff's office said that they have received a number of calls of domestic disputes and crisis intervention during this COVID-19 quarantine.

"As a reminder, if anyone is a victim of a domestic violence situation, the Will County Courthouse remains open for individuals in need of obtaining an order of protection," the police spokesperson said.