Not enough evidence to rule if Cary man's death was suicide

Authorities Friday afternoon identified David M. Stierer Jr. of Cary as the man who on Thursday was shot in the head at a Dundee Township gun shop.

An autopsy performed Friday confirmed the 25-year-old shot himself, although whether it was an accident or a suicide has not yet been determined, Kane County Coroner Chuck West said.

While the gunshot to the side of Stierer's head was consistent with a suicide, West said that's not enough evidence to rule on whether Stierer's death was intentional, since other evidence may prove otherwise.

"It appears to be suicide, but until we get all the toxicology and everything back (from the sheriff department's investigation), we're going to have to hold that piece of it," West said.

Toxicology samples have been drawn and sent to a forensic lab for analysis to show whether Stierer was under the influence of controlled substances at the time of his death, West said.

Depending on when he receives supporting documents, West could make a ruling on Stierer's death next week. If not, the facts will go before a jury at a later date, West said.

Thursday's shooting occurred at G.A.T. Guns Inc. and Indoor Range, 14N915 Route 25, just before 11 a.m. G.A.T. is an acronym for Guns, Archery, Tackle.

Police don't yet know whether the gun involved was Stierer's own or rented, said Lt. Pat Gengler, a spokesman from the Kane County Sheriff's Department.

A manager from G.A.T. declined to comment on that issue and referred all calls to the sheriff's department.

Officials say no one else was injured.

Stierer's arrangements at Davenport Family Funeral Home in Barrington are still pending.