City of Wheaton, IL
Wheaton Police Department Death Investigation Update
The Wheaton Police Department continues to investigate the death of an individual found in the area of Lincoln Marsh on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, and is providing additional information regarding this investigation.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., an individual walking in the area noticed a fire in the marsh off the trail and located burned human remains. The Wheaton Police Department and Wheaton Fire Department responded to this location, and Wheaton Police Department Detectives have been actively investigating this incident with the assistance of the DuPage County Coroner’s Office, the Arson Task Force and the Forensic Investigation Unit of the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team (M.E.R.I.T).
“Fire by its nature is destructive, and it adds a layer of complexity to an investigation which requires more time and resources,” stated Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker. “We understand that the community has questions, and we are working diligently to be able to provide more information. At this time, we have no reason to believe there is a threat to the public, and our personnel and partner resources will continue investigating this incident.”
The identity of the deceased individual will be released once next of kin has been notified in cooperation with the DuPage County Coroner’s Office.
The Wheaton Police Department will provide additional information as it is available through the City of Wheaton’s email/text updates (Wheaton Informs), City of Wheaton’s Facebook page (@CityOfWheaton), and the City’s website.