Steven LaVoie Shows Signs of Improvement After Shooting

Family members say Steven LaVoie — shot last Thursday by a demoted executive at his company — is making “some small improvements.”

A family spokeswoman, Sue Michalowski, has been sharing updates on the Arrowstream CEO’s condition on the website Caring Bridge for the benefit of the LaGrange family’s friends and neighbors.

LaVoie’s wife Jody has been by his side.

“Thank you again for all your loving wishes and prayers,” Michalowski wrote Monday afternoon. “Steve continues to rest comfortably in the ICU and he remains in critical condition. Right now, Jody and the family are working on routines and schedules to get through this difficult time. They are surrounded by close family and friends and are able to take breaks and return to their daily lives as much as possible.

“Jody is finding beauty in the small things and enjoyed barbecuing hamburgers with the girls last night.

» Caring Bridge: Visit the page for Steven LaVoie on Caring Bridge

LaVoie was shot in his office Thursday morning by a longtime executive, Tony DeFrances, who learned recently of a demotion. The two men struggled for the weapon DeFrances brought into Arrowstream’s LaSalle Street offices in a backpack. LaVoie was hot in the head and stomach. DeFrances then turned the gun on himself and took his own life, police said.

The LaGrange community has rallied around the LaVoie family. Red ribbons can be seen tied to trees throughout town. A prayer service took place Sunday at the LaVoies’ church, First Presbyterian Church in in LaGrange.

“Red is Steve’s favorite color and these ribbons are a beautiful showing of love for Steve and his family from the whole community. Thank you – it means the world to us,” reads a post on Caring Bridge.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital told NBC Chicago that the 54-year-old LaVoie remains in critical but stable condition and the swelling on his brain is unchanged. He’s showing some improvement in reflexes.

LaVoie and his wife Jody have three daughters.

LaVoie founded ArrowStream, a supply chain company, in 2000. The Chicago Tribune reports that DeFrances used a German military pistol in the shooting but did not have a Firearm Owners Identification Card. Police have yet to determine how DeFrances acquired the gun.