2 found dead at scene of Highland Park fire had ‘suspicious injuries’

(Update: Additional information was added to this story around 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5.)

Two men who were found dead outside of a burning home in Highland Park on Wednesday morning had “suspicious injuries,” according to the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.

Task force spokesperson Chris Covelli said the injuries were inconsistent with the fire.

“Based on preliminary information gathered thus far, this incident appears to be isolated, and there is no known threat to the community,” a county release says.

Autopsies of the two individuals — who authorities believe are related and the release refers to as “victims” — reportedly are underway.

Emergency units responded to 1726 Park Avenue West just before 4 a.m. June 5 to a report of flames coming out of the home’s roof. Upon initial inspection, a firefighter located two deceased men on the exterior of the home, according to the city and the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

The identifications of the deceased were not immediately available.

Highland Park fire and police units received a call at 3:50 a.m. reporting the fire and responded along with units from Glencoe, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Northbrook and more nearby communities.

As crews engaged the blaze, firefighters entered the home through windows and did not locate any other individuals inside. The fire was extinguished as of at latest 10 a.m.

An investigation in conjunction with the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force is ongoing. Park Avenue remains closed as of 11:45 a.m. between Ridge and Sunnyside.

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