An off-duty Chicago police detective was found dead in his home, and authorities have ruled the death a suicide following an investigation.
Police discovered him around noon on Friday in the 3900 block of West 104th Street. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Cook County medical examiner later confirmed it was a suicide.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed his condolences, urging everyone to keep the detective’s family and colleagues in their thoughts during this tough time. The detective worked in the Area 2 Division, which covers much of the South Side.
This incident is part of a troubling trend. Last year, three Chicago police officers died by suicide. One was a 29-year-old officer found in the West Loop, and another was a 54-year-old officer who had served nearly two decades.
The department has faced challenges in providing mental health support for its officers. A report from the city inspector general highlighted this issue at the end of 2022. Between 2016 and 2023, 31 department employees took their own lives, with seven in 2022 alone.
Currently, the department has 21 counselors for over 11,600 officers, working towards better mental health resources. They offer free, confidential counseling through the Employee Assistance Program for all active and retired members and their families.
