Navy Homicide: Names Of Shooter, Victim Released By Wheeling Police

WHEELING, IL — A Wheeling man shot and killed a Gurnee woman he was in a relationship with before turning the gun on himself Sunday, according to police. Travis Stephens, 37, and Ajah Barnes, 26, were found dead in the roadway near the intersection of Lakeview Drive and Buffalo Grove Road.

Police said Monday the two were both active duty military members and were assigned to the Naval Training Center at Great Lakes. Barnes was residing in the 1500 block of Hunter Drive in Wheeling, where Barnes was visiting when the incident occurred.

Police said through witness interviews, it was determined Stephens and Barnes had an argument that was overheard by several people. The argument spilled into the parking lot, where damage was done to each person's car. Barnes left on foot as Stephens returned to his apartment, grabbed a handgun, and went looking for her.

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Evidence found at the scene was consistent with a homicide in which Stephens shot Barnes, and then turned the gun on himself, according to police. The bodies were discovered at around 5 a.m. Sunday, following a 911 call.

Wheeling police said they will continue to piece together what occurred in the hours leading up to the tragic event. They said the Northern Illinois Crime Laboratory will be utilized to conduct a "thorough analysis of all items recovered, the results of which will be shared with the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Police said there is no threat to the community.

U.S. Naval authorities were contacted and were instrumental in making the appropriate notifications to the respective families, according to police.