Man Shoots Wife, Mother-In-law, Self

"EFFINGHAM, IL — Effingham city police have identified the three people fatally shot at an Effingham home Sunday evening.

"Police said at a Monday afternoon news conference that Jerry Smith, 52, of Salem fatally shot his estranged wife Sharon Smith, 41, and Mrs. Smith's mother, Dorothy McClelland, 71, of rural Effingham. The shootings occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. at Mrs. Smith's home at 704 S. Willow St.

"Cpl. Matt Sager of the Effingham Police Department said Jerry Smith apparently began shooting into the home from outside before entering the home and fatally shooting his estranged wife and mother-in-law. Police said he then turned a gun on himself.

"Sager said a rifle and handgun were recovered at the scene.

"Both Smiths were pronounced dead at the scene, while McClelland was taken to St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, where she was pronounced dead late Sunday evening.

"Several other people in the home at the time of the shootings were unharmed, including Todd Bowlin, 44, of Charleston, described by police as an acquaintance of Mrs. Smith. Three children, who police would not identify, also were spared. Sager said the children — boys aged 12 and 13, and a 5-year-old girl — were related to adults in the home.

"Sager said Mrs. Smith had been granted an order of protection against her estranged husband on Aug. 24. The order had been extended Friday."

From the Effingham Daily News...

UPDATE:

09/13/2011 — "More than forty" rounds fired during attack...