Medical examiner expected to release findings this afternoon

The Cook County medical examiner is expected to release the causes of death early this afternoon for the three members of the Finnerty family of Arlington Heights whose home burned Tuesday morning.

Kevin Finnerty, 46, died at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday at Loyola University Medical Center, said Cmdr. Kenneth Galinski Jr. of the Arlington Heights Police Department.

Kevin Finnerty's wife, Patricia, 41, was declared dead at the scene in the early morning hours Tuesday, and their son, Garrett, 11, was declared dead Tuesday at Northwest Community Hospital.

Two other children, Bridgit, 12, and Pierce, 6, escaped with no major injuries.

Arlington Heights police said they expect to make a statement on their investigation after receiving the reports from the medical examiner, said Galinski.

"We will put all the pieces of the puzzle together," he said.

The home on the 100 block of East Park Street was still surrounded by yellow police tape Wednesday, but the block of Park Street had been reopened to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Technicians continued to take evidence from the home and shoot photos. A tent for investigators remained outside.

The Major Case Assistance Team's large vehicle and a forensic van from the Arlington Heights Police Department were at the scene.

An informal memorial sits by a tree on the north side of the house with bouquets of real flowers, fuzzy dice and a little stuffed dog.

Joggers, bicyclists, parents with strollers and many cars passed the home this morning. One woman parked her car near the home and appeared to be praying.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=9&type=video&item=359">Officials at press conference; neighbors discuss tragedy</a></li> </ul> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=297826">Officials look to cause of fire that killed members of 'perfect family'<span class="date">[6/2/09]</span></a></li> </ul> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=297944">As watercolorist, Kevin Finnerty making a name for himself <span class="date">[06/02/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>