Elderly Mother, Son Died of Blunt Force Trauma in Beating Deaths in Rural Area: Coroner

As an investigation into a double homicide near Sycamore wraps up its second day, authorities were providing little new information into what led to the beating deaths of Patricia Wilson, 85, and her son, Robert Wilson, 64.

The DeKalb County Coroner’s Office ruled on Tuesday both Robert and Patricia Wilson died of blunt force trauma, according to a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office press release. But police had no one in custody as of Wednesday afternoon in connection with the beating deaths of Robert and Patricia Wilson, who were found by a relative inside Patricia’s home at 16058 Old State Road in rural Sycamore just before 6 p.m. Monday.

“The DeKalb County Major Case Squad, consisting of over 20 investigators, continues with the intensive investigation into this terrible crime and is following up on multiple leads at this time,” DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott said in a press release Wednesday afternoon.

Police are not commenting on any potential motives in the double homicide but are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a a 2010 four-door Chevrolet Impala with Illinois registration 903 0980, which was stolen from the property.

Police believe a suspect, or suspects, may have forced their way into the home and the Chevrolet Impala was then stolen from the property.

“At this time, we do not have a suspect. In order to assist us in this investigation, we are asking citizens to look for the victim’s car that was missing from the home,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Deputy Chief Andy Sullivan in a Tuesday morning press conference.

It’s unclear how long the bodies of Robert and Patricia Wilson were inside the home.

“Our hearts go out to the family. This is a terrible crime perpetrated on an elderly mother and her son,” Sullivan said during the press conference Tuesday.

Robert Wilson won $1 million in the Illinois Lottery in 1988, according to the DeKalb Chronicle. Robert was staying at his mother's home on Old State Road near Sycamore to help care for her at the time of the murders, police said.

Investigation Continues

Detectives have been working around the clock as they hope to track down a killer, or killers, responsible for murdering Patricia and Robert Wilson, according to the DeKalb Chronicle.

Authorities said Tuesday they had no information on whether one person, or more than one person, forced their way into the home and killed Patricia and Robert Wilson. They were also unclear if the killer, or killers, knew the victims or if the attack was random, Sullivan said Tuesday.

They were also not clear how the suspect, or suspects, got onto the property. They are looking into any complaints that occurred recently on the Great Western Trail, which backs up to the residence, and are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious on the Great Western Trail to contact police, Sullivan said.

“Certainly, an important question is whether our citizens are safe. While we have no indication that the person responsible for this is still in the area, we are encouraging citizens to be extra-vigilant in taking your normal safety precautions,” Sullivan said during the Tuesday morning press conference.

Authorities had blocked off Old State Road Monday night as an investigation got underway at the home. Also, a police car with lights activated could be seen on the Great Western Trail at about 7:30 p.m.

As of Tuesday morning, a DeKalb County Sheriff's Office patrol car was outside the home, and the entire property appeared to be cordoned off with police tape.

Sullivan said residents should follow basic safety tips, including locking their windows and doors, using outside lighting, walking in pairs and remaining aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 815-895-2155 and ask to talk to a detective. Those with information can also contact Crime Stoppers at 815-895-3272.