Carbon Monoxide Suspected In Deaths Of Man, Woman In Lockport

LOCKPORT, IL — Two people who were found dead inside a vehicle in the parking lot of the Lockport Walmart, 16241 S. Farrell Road, have been identified by the Will County Coroner's Office.

Jeffrey Stucke Sr., 53, and Jacqueline Birsa, 37, were both pronounced dead at 7:10 p.m. Monday in Stucke's vehicle, the coroner's office said.

Lockport Police Deputy Chief Ron Huff said while the final cause of death will be determined when toxicology results are returned, police believe their deaths were the result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

"This belief is based on the condition of the deceased's bodies, their position inside the vehicle, and the physical condition of the car, which included a broken exhaust pipe," Huff said in an email to Patch.

An autopsy was performed on Wednesday, with preliminary results still pending toxicological reports. The final cause and manner of death will be determined at a later date, pending police, autopsy and toxicological reports, according to the coroner's office.

Huff said Stucke and Birsa were in a dating relationship, and the two appeared to be homeless and living out of the vehicle.

The Lockport Police Department would like to encourage anyone who is experiencing homelessness or is in need of social services to explore the many options available to them in Will County so that another tragic accident like this does not occur.

Assistance is available from the United Way of Will County, Catholic Charities – Diocese of Joliet, and Will County Center for Community Concerns, among others. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Human Services has established the 211 phone number to give residents a 24-hour way to connect with a wide variety of human services or social services across the state.