Police: Illinois man suspected girlfriend had coronavirus before killing her, himself

Authorities say a man in Illinois who thought his girlfriend had contracted coronavirus shot and killed her before taking his own life.

NBC News reported that family members of Patrick Jesernik, 54, told sheriff’s deputies that Jesernik was afraid that his girlfriend, Cheryl Schriefer, had contracted the disease days before the incident occurred. Both were found dead of gunshot wounds on Thursday.

Schriefer, 59, was tested for coronavirus two days before the shooting, according to NBC. Those test results came back negative, but it appeared as if Schriefer had not received her test results before the shooting occurred. Family members added that the woman reported trouble breathing and other symptoms associated with COVID-19, NBC reported.

The NBC report did not say whether police indicated they believed Jesernik’s apparent suspicion about coronavirus was a motive in the slaying.

The two were unmarried but reportedly had been together for nearly a decade. No record of domestic abuse had previously been reported, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Domestic disputes have sharply risen amid the coronavirus outbreak, the sheriff’s office added.

“A check of the address was conducted by detectives which showed no previous calls for service in regards to domestic disputes,” the sheriff’s office said. “A check of both deceased individuals was also conducted which showed very limited police contact.”

“As a reminder, if anyone is a victim of a domestic violence situation, the Will County Courthouse remains open for individuals in need of obtaining an order of protection,” it continued.