Gerald Waligorski Named Sole Suspect in Illinois Double Homicide After Wife Survived Shooting

Gerald Waligorski Identified as Suspect in Illinois Double Homicide Following Shooting of His Wife

On October 2, 2025, Gerald E. Waligorski, 67, was identified by authorities as the sole suspect in a domestic shooting and double homicide in New Canton, Illinois.

The incident began when deputies responded to a 911 call at a residence on Mississippi Street.

Officers found Waligorski's wife suffering from gunshot wounds. She reportedly told investigators that her husband had shot her and threatened her parents.

She was airlifted to a regional hospital for treatment.

Deputies subsequently went to her parents' residence on Monroe Street, where they discovered both individuals dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Meanwhile, Waligorski had reportedly barricaded himself inside his home.

The Pike County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, and a SWAT team responded. Authorities established a perimeter, and nearby schools were temporarily placed on soft lockdown.

After approximately five hours, SWAT officers entered the residence and found Waligorski deceased.

Authorities have not publicly established his cause of death or a definitive motive for the shootings.

Illinois State Police continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identifying Waligorski as the sole suspect.

Because he died before charges could be adjudicated, there was no criminal trial or conviction.

His wife survived the shooting. Her parents did not. What began as a domestic violence emergency ended with two people dead and a family devastated.