Springfield, Illinois mayor found dead in apparent suicide

2010-12-15 08:36:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (BNO NEWS) -- Springfield mayor Tim Davlin was found dead by police in his residence on Tuesday morning in what appears to be a suicide, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Springfield Police officers went to Davlin's residence after a 911 call came in at around 9 a.m. local time. The mayor, a Democrat, had failed to appear in court this morning regarding an estate case involving his late cousin. He was found with gun shot wound.

Davlin, 53, owed the federal government approximately $90,000 in unpaid income taxes and liens had been filed against his home. The investigation was handed over to the Illinois State Police as it was the only law enforcement agency which he was not directly connected with.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D- Illinois) said that he was stunned and saddened over the death of the Springfield mayor. He remarked that Davlin's work reflected his dedication towards the city and his family.

Springfield Alderman Gail Simpson, who will take over the mayor's duties, said that Davlin was a wonderful guy who did his best for the city. She added that his biggest accomplishment was keeping the city afloat through hard times.

Davlin had held the office of Mayor since April 2003. His economic development initiative has been strong with numerous businesses expanding. He also opened the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and increased tourism.

The mayor will probably best be remembered by one of his most successful programs: "Springfield Green," a city wide environmental improvement program which not only promotes planting trees, flowers and greenery, but also stimulates cleanliness through an Adopt-a-Street program.

Davlin is survived by his four children: Tara, Shalaigh, Ryan, and Mallory. He also has four grandchildren: Connor, Cole, Chloe and Colin.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-12-15

Isn't that Homer Simpson town, city?

Isn't that Homer Simpson town, city?

No, that's Springfield $%^* dam_n, my keyboard's playing up again

Seriously, are there any official statistics on USIRS murders like this?