Family Land Dispute Sparks Attempted Double Murder/Suicide

"CASEY, IL — An apparent land dispute was the trigger for a Saturday morning murder-suicide involving two middle-aged brothers from rural Casey.

"The Illinois State Police stated in a news release David Brussell shot brother Kevin and father William shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday at the Brussell home on 555 Cumberland County Road 2100 East before turning the gun on himself. William Brussell, who is believed to be in his 80s, was treated and released at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon with what police said was a minor gunshot wound to the arm.

"Kevin Brussell drove away from the home after being shot, but was only able to get about a mile away from the scene before losing consciousness and crashing his sport utility vehicle. Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies located the vehicle after a 911 call made at 8:59 a.m., and Cumberland County Coroner Donna Whitaker pronounced Kevin Brussell dead at the scene.

"Whitaker said the fatal shot appeared to be from a small-caliber weapon. She added the bullet entered Kevin Brussell’s back and exited his chest. Death was likely caused, she said, by the bullet collapsing a lung and causing massive internal bleeding.

"David Brussell was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where he was pronounced dead by Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrop. No exact time of death was available at presstime.

"Police said witnesses reported the shooting was sparked by a family dispute over land being turned over to the brothers. Whitaker said both men were in their 50s."

Source: Effingham Daily News...