Younger brother charged in slaying of two siblings in Highland Park

Authorities have arrested and charged a man for shooting two of his brothers to death on Tuesday night or early Wednesday in Highland Park, according to a statement from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.

Jeffrey Austwick, 54, of Highland Park, was taken into custody at 5:30 a.m. Friday, June 7, in a St. Louis park following a two-day manhunt, the statement says. Austwick is charged with the murder of Marc Austwick, 63, of Lake Forest, and John Austwick, 60, of Mundelein.

The task force says preliminary evidence shows Marc and John Austwick visited their younger brother Jeffrey Austwick — likely arriving on Tuesday evening, June 5, officials say — at 1726 Park Avenue West in Highland Park “to discuss the property,” which reportedly was owned by the brothers’ mother, Phyllis Austwick. Phyllis Austwick died on Friday, May 31.

At some point, Jeffrey Austwick allegedly shot and killed Marc and John Austwick and then set the home on fire.

No further details on the encounter were immediately made available.

Task force spokesperson Chris Covelli told The Record that forensics at the scene of the crime and interviews with neighbors and Austwick family members led investigators to focus on Jeffrey Austwick.

Responding to a report of a fire, emergency units discovered the bodies of John and Marc Austwick at approximately 4 a.m. Wednesday outside of the burning home.

It was later determined that the men died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

According to property records, Jeffrey Austwick lived in the house at 1726 Park Avenue West with his mother Phyllis Austwick.

Jeffrey Austwick remains in custody in Missouri, pending a court hearing, according to police.

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