Aunt's Body In Tote, Grandmother's Thumb Severed In Slayings | Parents Swindled Out Of 400K | Kids Home Alone

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Illinois. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Teen Killers Placed Aunt's Body Behind Dumpster, Used Grandmother's Thumb To Access iPhone: Reports

A 16-year-old boy accused of killing five of his girlfriend’s family members in downstate Illinois removed her grandmother’s thumb and kept it in order to access the woman’s phone, according to reports.

4 Small Kids Found Home Alone, Mother Charged

Police said responding officers located the two boys, ages 3 and 1, alone outside the building. Officers quickly identified the apartment where the children resided and conducted a welfare check. Inside the apartment, officers found two additional boys, ages 8 and 6, asleep and unsupervised.

How Son Stole $400,000 From Elderly Parents: Police

During the investigation, detectives determined that approximately $400,000 had allegedly been withdrawn
without the victims' authorization and was believed to have been used to purchase a home, according to police.

Sophomore Builds Support Network For Seniors In Cancer Care

"I started SCF when I was going through a really difficult time in my life. I had unfortunately had five of my really close family members diagnosed with cancer, and three of them had passed away. So this is a really personal problem to me," the teen said.

Mayor Wins Battle In Defamation Case Against Political Consultant

According to the ruling, his opponent received bad poll results leading up to the 2019 election, so he was advised to undertake a negative campaign against the mayor.

Woman Seeks To Thank Children Who Stopped, Offered Comfort During 'Worst Day Of My Life'

When her mother, a recent brain cancer survivor, suffered a heart attack, a woman says 2 children stopped to make sure she wasn't alone.

Bears CEO Talks New Stadium Taxes

President and CEO Kevin Warren said the doors are still open in Arlington Heights and Indiana.

Suspects Flee, Abandon Vehicle After Gaming Cafe Burglary: Police

Several suspects are still at large after fleeing on foot on I-80.

Man Arrested In Car Show Shooting, Charged With Attempted Murder

Police said the large law enforcement presence already assigned to the classic car show allowed officers to quickly secure the scene, provide medical aid and protect festival attendees. The event ended early so investigators could process the scene.