Couple Found Dead in Arlington Heights

Police found an Arlington Heights couple shot to death in their home Wednesday, Jan. 25.

Angelita James, 56, and her husband, Roger D. James, 48, were found dead in their home in the 900 block of East Shady Way by police at about 8:40 a.m. Officers went to the home after Angelita James' son called police concerned that his mother had not shown up for work for two days.

Police went to the James home and deterimined the mother's vehicle and her husband's vehicle were in the parking lot. After not getting a response at the door, Arlington Heights police and fire personnel forced their way inside, a press release from the police department states.

"A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of two deceased individuals," the press release states. "It appeared that both individuals had sustained a gunshot wound and a firearm was located within the residence."

The press release also states, "There is no evidence to suggest there is any danger to the community."

The Daily Herald reported that police said it appeared to have been a murder-suicide. The newspaper also reported that Roger James was a Gulf War veteran and commander of the Des Plaines American Legion.

The Arlington Heights Police Department is being assisted by members of the Major Case Assistance Team’s Forensic Unit and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death is pending autopsy results by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.