A tragic incident unfolded in Highland Park, as a GoFundMe account has been set up to support the family of John Austwick, who was fatally shot by his brother. The account aims to assist John's wife, Laura, and their two daughters, Samantha and Kelsey, during this difficult time.

The GoFundMe page for John Austwick, a 60-year-old resident of Mundelein, describes him as someone who could brighten any room and bring smiles to people's faces. At his age, John had exciting plans for the future, including starting his own carpentry business, a lifelong dream. He was also eagerly anticipating his daughter Kelsey's law school graduation in the coming years.

Late Friday, police identified the shooter as Jeffrey S. Austwick, John's 54-year-old brother and resident of the 1700 block of Park Avenue West in Highland Park. Jeffrey was apprehended at a park in St. Louis, Missouri, at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Friday.

According to Christopher Covelli, a spokesperson for the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, the preliminary investigation reveals that John and his other brother, Marc Austwick, 63, from Lake Forest, had gone to Jeffrey's residence to discuss property matters. The house in question belonged to their recently deceased mother.

Upon their arrival, a tragic turn of events unfolded. Jeffrey allegedly shot both his brothers before setting the house ablaze. The fire drew the attention of the Highland Park Police Department and Fire Department, who responded to the scene after being alerted by a concerned neighbor.

Firefighters arrived to find the house engulfed in flames and, during their evaluation, discovered Marc and Jeffrey Austwick's lifeless bodies outside the burning property. The Lake County Coroner's Office later confirmed that the cause of death for both brothers was multiple gunshot wounds, rather than the fire itself.

In response to this shocking act of violence, law enforcement swiftly obtained a nationwide arrest warrant for Jeffrey Austwick on two counts of murder. He was apprehended in Missouri and is currently awaiting an initial court hearing.

The investigation into this tragic incident involved several agencies, including the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force, the Illinois State Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service. Due to the ongoing investigation, Park Avenue West between Ridge Road and Sunnyside Avenue remained closed for several days.

As the family mourns the loss of John Austwick, the establishment of the GoFundMe account aims to provide much-needed support for his wife and daughters during this challenging period. It is a testament to the love and care he brought to his family and community, and an opportunity for others to come together in solidarity and generosity.

The account has already gained attention and is expected to offer some relief for Laura, Samantha, and Kelsey Austwick, as they navigate the difficult journey ahead.