After weeks of mystery and speculation surrounding the death of Fox Lake police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz, Illinois officials will say they believe suicide was the cause of death, according to a law enforcement official.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced that it would provide “conclusive results of the investigation” at a news conference Wednesday morning.
Gliniewicz died September 1.
The Army veteran and father of four was on his way to work in the cruiser he had taken home the day before, when he said he saw three suspicious men. He sent word over his radio that he was pursuing them on foot.
A few minutes later, Gliniewicz requested backup. Then radio communication dropped off.
The lieutenant was found shot dead, roughly 50 yards from his vehicle. Authorities said he was killed with his own service weapon.
While Lake County officials have said the case was being handled as a homicide, other theories remained on the table during the investigation including the possibility of a self-inflicted fatal gunshot wound.
The coroner has said he can’t rule out a homicide, suicide or accident.