Former city commissioner, son dead in S. Beloit shootings

SOUTH BELOIT, Ill. (AP) - Officials say a former city council member in northern Illinois and his son died in a weekend shooting.

Robert Stone was shot and killed by his son at a South Beloit home early Sunday. The son, Vito Stone, then shot himself in front of police.

Police say the elder Stone was in a backyard tent with two grandchildren. Vito Stone's wife called police to report the shooting.

The 64-year-old Stone, known as Bob, was a South Beloit commissioner from 2003 to 2011. Former Mayor Randy Kirichkow tells the Rockford Register Star that Stone was proud to serve on the council and "proud of South Beloit."

Stone and his wife, Rebecca, were known as organizers of the Sand Festival, an event held in South Beloit City Park. It ended after 2006.

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Information from: Rockford Register Star, http://www.rrstar.com