The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the man believed to be responsible for a horrific triple homicide in Mahomet on Wednesday night. The suspect, 24-year-old John R. Lyons of Westchester, Illinois, was shot and killed by police officers in Berwyn after a dramatic shootout.
According to police officials, the violent chain of events began when Lyons allegedly killed three people in Mahomet, a small town located about 135 miles south of Chicago. Authorities in Mahomet quickly identified him as a suspect in the murders, but by the time they began their search, Lyons had fled the area.
Later that evening, at approximately 11:38 p.m., officers from the Berwyn Police Department responded to a report of an armed man in their town. When they arrived at the reported location, the suspect—believed to be Lyons—fled on foot. Berwyn police said that during the pursuit, the suspect opened fire on officers, prompting them to return fire. The shootout resulted in the suspect being killed at the scene, with no officers reported injured.
Early reports from Berwyn Police indicated that Lyons was the suspect wanted in connection with the triple homicide in Mahomet earlier that evening. The nature of the crimes in Mahomet, as well as the details of the pursuit and shootout, have left both communities in shock.
In line with standard procedures for officer-involved shootings, the Illinois State Police have taken over the investigation into the events that led to Lyons’ death in Berwyn. The investigation will focus on the details surrounding the shootout, as well as the circumstances leading to Lyons being wanted in connection with the tragic triple homicide in Mahomet.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims in the Mahomet killings, but law enforcement officials have confirmed that the deaths were violent and that Lyons was the primary suspect. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the killings and Lyons’ connection to the victims.
The shootout in Berwyn, as well as the murders in Mahomet, have shaken both communities, and many are left grappling with the disturbing events of the night. As law enforcement works to gather further details, the families of the victims in Mahomet are left to cope with an immense and tragic loss, while Berwyn residents are left processing the frightening encounter that unfolded on their streets.
The Illinois State Police have urged the public to remain patient as they continue their investigation into the shooting and the deadly triple homicide. Further information is expected to be released as the inquiries progress.
