Police Chief asks for patience, understanding as double homicide investigation continues

April 20, 2020 update – Oak Park Police Chief LaDon Reynolds is asking residents in the vicinity of the recent double homicide in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue to share any security video they may have dating back as far as a week prior to when the crime was reported on April 13.

“Part of the investigative process is not only to examine the scene, but also to look beyond the incident for movements in the area that might offer clues that can help solve this heinous crime,” Reynolds said. “That’s why I am asking residents in the surrounding blocks to help by sharing any security video they may have recorded up to a week prior to the incident.”

Video can be uploaded via the Village website at www.oak-park.us/policevideo. Any shared video is treated as confidential aspects of ongoing investigations. However, files may be shared anonymously with Police via the online uploader.

Officers routinely look for nearby private security cameras when they canvas a neighborhood after a crime has been reported, but there still could be video that would help the investigation, according to Reynolds, who stressed that even the smallest detail could yield valuable information.

In the meantime, Reynolds said solving the murders of Leslie Ann Jones, 67, and her husband Thomas E. Johnson, 69, is a top priority for the Oak Park Police Department.

The West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, Illinois State Police and FBI are involved and the Chicago Police Department also has offered assistance.

“The level of resources focused on solving this crime is unprecedented in Oak Park,” he said. “While it may be difficult for some to understand why more information can’t be released at this time, ensuring the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation must be the number one priority. Keeping the details confidential is an important part of the investigative process.”

Reynolds added that nothing in the investigation to date suggests residents are at any increased risk. However, in an abundance of caution, increased Police patrols and visibility in the area will continue.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708.386.3800. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling 708.434.1636 or online at www.oak-park.us/crimetip.

April 15, 2020 update – In a statement issued today, the Cook County Medical Examiner ruled the deaths of Leslie Ann Jones, 67, and her husband Thomas E. Johnson, 69, as homicides.

Police discovered the bodies of the couple during a welfare check at about 7:30 p.m. on Mon., April 13, at their home in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue.

As this is an active and ongoing investigation, no additional information is available. Oak Park Police are working with the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and other law enforcement resources including the FBI.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708.386.3800. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling 708.434.1636 or online at www.oak-park.us/crimetip. 

April 14, 2020 Update – Oak Park Police have released the names of the two adults found dead last night in a home in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue.

The deceased individuals have been identified as Leslie Ann Jones, 67, and her husband Thomas E. Johnson, 69. Police discovered their bodies during a welfare check at about 7:30 p.m. on Mon., April 13.

Preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates the deaths occurred under suspicious circumstances. However, early indications are that the deaths were not self-inflicted, Police said.

“On behalf of the Oak Park Police Department, I want to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Jones and her husband, Mr. Johnson, both of whom are known in the community and beyond,” Oak Park Police Chief LaDon Reynolds said.

“It may be difficult understand why we cannot provide more information right now. But the number one priority at this time must be ensuring the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation.”

Reynolds said the Oak Park Police Department has called on the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force for assistance with the investigation. This multijurisdictional organization offers access to the expertise and resources of police departments across the region.

The scene remains an active investigation, according to Reynolds, who said he had no information to suggest that there is any risk to the neighborhood or the community.  However, in an abundance of caution Police patrols and visibility have been increased in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708.386.3800. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling 708.434.1636 or online at www.oak-park.us/crimetip.

April 14, 2020 – At about 7:30 p.m., Mon., April 13, Oak Park Police were called to a private residence in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue for a welfare check.

Officers found two individuals deceased inside. Preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates suspicious circumstances.

The West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, which combines the expertise and resources of several police departments, has been brought into the investigation.

The Cook County Medical Examiner has been notified. The scene is still an active investigation. Next of kin are being notified.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708.386.3800. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling 708.434.1636 or online at www.oak-park.us/crimetip.