Gun confiscation after suicide in Illinois?

[Cosmoline]

When the sheriffs came to his house they cleaned out his gun locker.

How did they get into his gun locker? If they busted the lock or demanded access, I can see some potential problems. Otherwise this sounds like Illinois insanity.

 

[mgkdrgn]

Just a thought - the LEO's have a duty to thoroughly investigate, which might include comparing the lands & grooves of the bullet to those from all the other firearms, on the theory that doing so would rule out any role of the other firearms in the tragedy.

Sooo, the fella committed suicide, then put the gun back in the gun case?

 

[DCR]

Lol - No, he didn't, but they're just trying to make sure some as yet unknown BG didn't off him with another gun, put it in the case, and stage the scene with the one he was found with.

 

[zhyla]

It's standard procedure in CA at least for cops to seize any guns they come across when investigating a death. It's the last thing on your mind at the time but if someone dies it's best to lock all the guns up before letting the cops in. You'll get everything back. Eventually.

 

[xcgates]

If there is one thing I've learned about governmental organizations, start calling, taking names, show up in person, take notes, and just in general keep on top of people. Don't be an ass right off, but be a persistent son-of-a-gun that they just can't get rid of.

Just to emphasize, if you can't get anywhere on the phone, show up in person, even if it involves a lot of sitting around. Been there, done that, it isn't fun, but eventually you will get results.

 

[788Ham]

Condolences to the family Toby. Not understanding why all of the firearms were taken. "If", say a revolver was used and its lying by the decedent, why take shotguns and hunting rifles? Its pretty obvious a shot gun wasn't used. I know in some parts of our state, some jurisdictions really over-play the situation, enough from me. Again, sorry, you'll be in my prayers.

 

[Jefferson Herb]

I feel for You and your Family,and I know from experience the pain.
My Dad was mad at Mom,and the day before His 77th Birthday went out in the shop to end it while Mom was in town getting a cake.
The Sherriffs dept took the firearm used ,asked nothing about any others ,showed me a note to Identify Dad's hand writing and left after investigation and Dad was removed.Mom got said firearm about 30 days later,unloaded and ziptied thru triggerguard/cyl,which She later sold while visiting in another state [thru dealer];She wanted no family member to have it but did'nt have it destroyed.
Over the yrs,I was directed to destroy firearms,the worst to me was a Colt .38,and I happened to know where it came from.Most of the time they were junk.
Again, sorry for Your loss,It will stay with you,but time heals,just sometimes Slowly.

 

[BCCL]

I ran this by a friend that is a retired 25+ year Deputy, and he said as long as the other firearms in the house were secure, he thought taking them was a little strange also.

Either way, it won't hurt to stay on top of it, especially once any inquest is over and if they haven't been returned soon after.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Prayers for your family and good Luck getting your brothers guns back!

 

[WardenWolf]

I'd say it depends. Theoretically, a very anti-gun state could classify suicide as a crime and require permanent confiscation of all guns owned by said "criminal". Even Illinois, though, generally would not go to such extremes.

 

[BCCL]

Suicide nor attempted suicide are crimes in Illinois.