Kevin J. Finnerty image from his fine arts website. Paramedics helping fire victims from 105 E. Park.
Patricia Finnerty, Age 41, Dead
Garret J. Finnerty, Age 11, Dead
Kevin Finnerty, Age 46, Dead on June 3, 2009
Two children, unnamed by police, with minor injuries
UPDATE (June 3, 2009 3:30 pm):
Arlington Heights police confirmed Wednesday afternoon, after Kevin Finnerty, 46, died at 4:40 a.m., that he killed his family and was the cause of his own death. Investigators found a gasoline can in the master bedroom. A suicide note was also found. Details of the content of the note have not been released, but police are describing the tone of the note as discouragement over “general issues of the times” and “financial issues.”
A house fire that is under investigation at 105 East Park Street in Arlington Heights is now being reported as an arson investigation. Suspicious burn patterns in the house were observed during investigation. Investigators are canvassing the neighborhood surrounding the home of Kevin Finnerty — asking neighbors if there was anything unusual that they may have noticed.
Daily Herald video with interview of Arlington Heights Police Commander Kenneth Galinski and Arlington Heights Fire Chief Glen Ericksen, and neighbors near Park and Evergreen.
The Illinois State Fire Marshall and Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT) are working with Arlington Heights Fire Department and Police Department investigators on the scene near Park Street and Evergreen Avenue.
Kevin Finnerty, 46, the family’s father, is in serious condition with life-threatening injuries at the Loyola University Medical Center Burn Unit. His wife Tricia, 41, and son Garret, 11, were pronounced dead at about 4:00 a.m. Tuesday. Garret was pronounced dead at 4:08 a.m. and the Patricia was pronounced dead at 4:40 a.m.
Two other children, who escaped with minor injuries, have not been named by Arlington Heights police. A 12-year-old girl escaped the house just before 3:30 a.m. got help and a 6-year-old boy was rescued off of the roof of the house just after 3:30 a.m.
Kevin James Finnerty is a well known Chicago-area artist specializing in soft pastels, including beautiful cityscapes. According to Kevin Finnerty’s website, his work includes architectural renderings include Wrigley Field and Chicago scenes, along with the unique floral diversity within the parks. His work also includes human figurative portraits (nudes). A yearly trip to The Cape, shows off his colorful coastal scenes and house portraits.
He was also commissioned by the Arlington Heights Park Foundation to paint the North School Park and Fountain in Arlington Heights a few years ago.
Kevin Finnerty (official website) — kevinfinnerty1.com
Breaking Story of Fire Scene from 3:45 a.m. Tuesday …
DONATIONS TO SURVIVORS
Bridget & Pierce Finnerty
Jennifer Murphy,
“Guardian of the Finnerty Children”
Village Bank & Trust
311 S. Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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June 2nd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I know some of these people and they are really kind. I hope Mr.Finnerty makes it threw. He is really nice, and the two kids need a parent
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
What a first class jerk!!! He was what is called a ‘family annihilator’. AND he wasn’t even a very good artist.
This man had it all. Apparently healthy, a nice wife, three children, a nice house in the suburbs, his art work in numerous galleries and able to afford all of this.
Apparently the only things he was lacking were a heart and soul!
He should have tried being less selfish.
Oh, and yes, I know hardship. I have innumerable health problems, husband lost job 4 years ago, a huge mortgage and lots of other problems. But I’d NEVER try to kill my loved ones over these issues! I just wish that I had half of the opportunites that this so-called man squandered and didn’t appreciate!
I’m sorry, I can’t ask God may his soul rest. But I hope that eternal rest is granted to his poor wife and son.
June 4th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
God Bless