Ex-Bear assisting in Deerfield murder investigation
Former Chicago Bears safety Shaun Gayle is assisting police in their investigation of the death of his pregnant girlfriend Thursday morning.
Police said Gayle was the father of the unborn child of Rhoni R. Reuter, 42, who was found shot to death about 8 a.m. in her Deerfield condo.
Gayle contacted and came to the police department when he learned of the shooting, police said. He is not considered a suspect, according to police.
Police earlier in the day said they were searching for a male in connection with the incident but had not released any description or other details nearly 11 hours after they were called.
Deerfield police say they don't believe that community members are in danger.
In a short afternoon press conference, Deerfield Police Chief John Sliozis said reassured residents.
"There's no reason to believe a suspect is still in this area," Sliozis said. "There appears to be no imminent danger."
The shooting occurred at Deerfield Crossings condominium complex in the 400 block of Elm Street this morning.
Police responded to a 911 call from a neighbor who reported hearing screams at about 7:55 a.m.
There was no forced entry to the condo, and it appeared that nothing was missing from the victim or the condo, police said.
Reuter died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to Lake County Coroner Richard Keller.
Keller could not immediately say how far along she was in her pregnancy.
The incident generated many calls to police from parents looking for information after Shepard Junior High School, located blocks from the shooting scene, was locked down at about 8:20 a.m.
Police said that measure was taken as a precaution and none of the students were in danger.
The lockdown was lifted a few hours later.
Police interviewed residents of the condominium building where the shooting occurred and showed a photo of a male during those interviews, according to ABC7.
The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force and police from several nearby suburbs are helping Deerfield investigate.
Gayle played 12 seasons in the NFL from 1984 to 1995. All but the last year were with the Chicago Bears.