ASHLAND, Ill. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they are investigating multiple deaths in the area and assured the public that there is no further risk to the community. The incident involved a triple homicide which has shocked this small community and beyond. The victims, who are all members of the same family, were identified as 19-year-old Autumn Bell, 53-year-old Christina Bell, and 16-year-old Alaria Bell. The suspect, Ronald L. Cobren, 62, was located in Jacksonville and was pronounced deceased from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sheriff Devron Ohrn provided information in a videotaped press release and later posted further updates on Facebook, revealing details of the tragic event. Autopsies for the victims are scheduled for Monday, while the surviving male victim has been transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing with several police agencies involved in the process.
“Heinous acts of this magnitude rock the core of any community,” Ohrn said. “This strikes additionally hard in small communities such as Cass County and beyond its borders.”
As the community mourns the losses, the Sheriff’s Office has reached out to provide privacy, compassion, sympathy, and prayers to the affected family. The scope of the investigation is still unclear at this time, and authorities are continuing to gather more details.
This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.