Only 15 hours, following the close of Sept. 7 honor services, the grave of Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz at Hillside Cemetery East in Antioch overlooks a quiet setting, with a view of children attending Hillcrest Elementary School, across the road. (Photo by Gregory Harutunian/for Chronicle Media)

The Lake County sheriff’s office fired a broadside against Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd over statements made to local and national media regarding the shooting death of Fox Lake police officer Lt. Joe Gliniewicz, which its major crimes task force alleges has comprised key elements of their investigation.

Rudd had said his office was unable to certify a cause of death until the task force had supplied evidence needed for its conclusion. He also indicated that the options were “homicide, suicide, accident, or uncertain.” Rudd divulged the information that Gliniewicz had suffered a fatal gunshot wound leading to speculation, and other sordid conclusions.

“His statements are highly opinionated, and he gave two different reasons (for the death) to national (broadcasters), and we want to protect the integrity of the investigation,” said Chris Covelli, Lake County sheriff’s office spokesperson, and interim Fox Lake Public Information Officer. “We have done all that is humanly possible to be transparent in this case.

“We want to insure that any accounts from witnesses are first-hand, and not something that is regurgitated (from media),” he said. “The only information released is when vetted by the task force.”

Contacted by phone, Rudd has maintained his position and refused to elaborate.

“I stand by my statements made about a catastrophic gunshot wound, and beyond that, I have no further comment,” he said.

On Sept. 1, Gliniewicz had radioed to dispatch, at approximately 8:00 a.m., that he was pursuing three suspects, due to suspicious activity, in the vicinity of Honing Road, off Jack Frost Lane. He called for back-up assistance, and radio communication ceased. Responding officers found him, 50 feet from his vehicle, with a gunshot wound, and more back-up was requested.

Adding to the conflict between the agencies were inconsistent reports of key evidentiary discoveries. Lake County Undersheriff Raymond Rose had stated Gliniewicz was found without his service weapon and other gear, which was recovered several days after an intensive manhunt and search by more than 100 law enforcement officers, at the scene.

“The service weapon and ballistic evidence is being handled by the state crime lab, and county facilities,” said Covelli. “The investigation into the death of Lt. Gliniewicz is continuing to move forward.”

At a Sept. 8 press conference, at the Fox Lake Village Hall, it was disclosed by Lake County Major Crimes Task Force Cmdr. George Filenko that video captures from nearby businesses and residences depicting the vague descriptions of the three men yielded no concrete leads, as they were interviewed, and determined not to be involved. DNA evidence, not belonging to Gliniewicz was obtained from the scene, along with indications of multiple shots fired.

A press release, issued Sept. 10, from the Lake County sheriff’s office, stated: “The Task Force is awaiting the test results of several items sent to the laboratory for analysis. This includes the DNA of the unknown donor, which was located at the scene. Investigators also wanted to interview Gliniewicz’s family, and have delayed doing so, out of respect for their grieving time.

“At this time we are not able to comment on the exact number of shots fired, as it is confidential information critical to the investigation. Lake County Coroner, Dr. Thomas Rudd, spoke with the media regarding the investigation into the death of Lt. Gliniewicz (and) Dr. Rudd released information concerning this investigation, which has not been released or confirmed by law enforcement engaged in this case.”

In the release, Filenko said, “We have not been contacted by, or had, communication with Dr. Rudd … releasing information which is sensitive to this investigation, puts the entire case at risk. All of the progress made since this tragic incident is potentially in jeopardy. This is an active investigation and it’s inappropriate for anyone other than the investigating body to release information to the media.”

A Sept. 7 service, honor procession, and presentation for burial of Lt. Gliniewicz at Hillside East Cemetery in Antioch was attended by more than 2,000 law enforcement officers, from across the nation, as well as a sea of onlookers, who came to bid farewell amid the sound of bagpipes and hushed remembrances.

The task force’s investigation is ongoing and termed, “A marathon, not a sprint,” by Filenko. The group is presently awaiting ballistic tests, and DNA results, while continuing its investigation.

For the residents of Antioch and Fox Lake, the visible outpouring of both grief and celebration surrounding the life of Lt. Joe Gliniewicz also continues. Signs, banners, and blue bows tied in conspicuous places dot the main roadways in the municipalities. Numerous fundraisers are also being staged to support his family, and taking place in the coming weeks.

— Rift develops in Fox Lake shooting case —