Authorities in suburban Elmhurst have revealed disturbing new details after a house fire Friday evening.
According to police, 43-year-old Jamie Jones shot and killed her sons, identified as 19-year-old Nathan Harris and 16-year-old Jason Harris, and then started a fire in her home just after 9:30 p.m. Friday night.
Jones then shot and killed herself, according to police.
“This is truly a tragedy,” DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said in a statement. “An act like this is completely inconceivable. This will be a trying time for the family, the community and our first responders who dealt with the aftermath of this horrible incident.
“We urge anyone who is going through stressful times in their lives to please seek help,” he added.
Nathan Harris had recently graduated from York High School, where his brother Jason was set to be a junior.
In a statement, District 205 officials said "Our immediate thoughts and prayers extend to their family and friends as well as our teachers and staff at this unspeakable hour."
"In the days and weeks to come, we most certainly will lean on each other for comfort and understanding as we attempt to come to terms with this great loss," Supt. David Moyer said in the statement, adding that counselors will be available at the school beginning Monday.
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office has provided a list of resources for those in need of assistance during difficult times:
Local
-The National Alliance on Mental Illness’ DuPage County chapter
-The DuPage County Health Department’s behavorial health services page
-The Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
People can also visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website, or reach them by phone at 1-800-273-8255.
