1 Year Since Brothers Slain In Highland Park: Where The Case Stands Now

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — It's been almost a year since two brothers were found shot to death outside a burning home in Highland Park.

Marc Austwick, 63, of Lake Forest, and John Austwick, 60, of Mundelein, were found with multiple gunshot wounds outside their mother's home on June 5, 2024. Neighbors told reporters that a mother and son lived in the home, until the mother died just a week before both men were killed.

The brothers were found on the west side of the home in the early morning by fire crews who were called to the burning house. According to authorities, Marc had nine gunshot wounds, John had four, and both were partially wrapped in plastic and several matches were found nearby, making it appear someone had tried to set them on fire.

Investigators identified the men's younger brother Jeff Austwick, who had lived at the home with his late mother, as a suspect and put out a nationwide search. Austwick was found near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri two days later, armed with a 9mm handgun.

According to Highland Park police, officers were familiar with ongoing dispute between the brothers regarding the younger Austwick paying rent on their mother's house to cover the cost of property taxes.

Phyllis Austwick, 84, had died May 31, 2024, just days before the double murder of her two older sons.

Austwick faces two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the double homicide of his brothers.

Austwick appeared in court Thursday morning for a case management conference, and his next court date is scheduled for July 24 for another case management conference, according to the Office of Lake County State's Attorney. Austwick remains in custody at Lake County Jail.

Related:

• Highland Park Double Homicide Followed Financial Dispute Over Property, Prosecutors Say
• Man Wanted For Killing Brothers In Highland Park Had Gun Near Gateway Arch
• Man Shot His 2 Brothers, Set Highland Park House On Fire, Police Say
• Brothers Found Dead Outside Burning Highland Park Home Were Shot To Death, Coroner Reports