Man Calls 911, Admits Killing Wife, Dog Before Taking Own Life: Police

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Police are continuing to investigate a Saturday evening domestic disturbance involving a gun at a downtown Arlington Heights home that left a couple and their dog dead.

According to police, Cynthia Armstrong, 74, was found dead at the home in the 300 block of West Campbell Street, along with the family dog. Her husband, Ronald Armstrong, 76, succumbed to his injuries, which appear to be self-inflicted, on Sunday at Lutheran General Hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Police believe the domestic incident was isolated to the home based on all evidence gathered and there is no threat to the public.

RELATED: Elderly Woman Dies After Domestic Disturbance In Arlington Heights — PD

Police responded to the incident at around 7:30 p.m. Saturday and a real-time alert was sent to surrounding neighborhoods using the Village's mass notification system, according to a news release. The message advised local residents to avoid the area "due to an unfolding police investigation."

After the incident was stabilized, police sent out a brief message on social media describing the situation as a "domestic disturbance." It was later updated to correct a misleading comment describing the incident as an "active shooter" situation, police said. "This was NOT an active shooter situation/incident, despite social media posts reporting otherwise. The incident was contained inside a residence," police posted to Facebook.

According to police, Ronald Armstrong called 911 to report killing his wife and dog, and said he was going to take his own life. First responders from the police and fire departments arrived at the single-family home just after 7:30 p.m. Officers were placed in tactically sound positions around the home and attempted to contact those inside the home.

As police began to enter the home, a single gunshot was heard, according to the news release. Officers found an unresponsive woman — later identified as Cynthia Armstrong — seated at a dining table. Police said she was beyond medical care and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ronald Armstrong, who was unresponsive but breathing, was found in an adjoining room. After removing a handgun from his grasp, he was taken to a Level 1 trauma center, where he died at 4:48 p.m. Sunday, according to the medical examiner.

The family dog was also found dead in the home.

Police said the Major Case Assistance Team was activated to assist with crime scene processing. A perimeter was established and held while forensic technicians documented the incident. All police personnel had cleared the scene by midday Sunday.

Police said the evidence indicates the deaths are an isolated domestic violence incident and there is no threat to the community.