CHICAGO, IL — Chicago police are currently investigating a tragic shooting that left two people dead in the city’s Englewood neighborhood early Saturday morning, October 4, 2025. The shooting, which authorities believe may have resulted from a domestic dispute, has shocked the community and raised questions about the motive behind the tragic event.

According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire at a residence located in the 6600 block of South Normal Avenue just after 2:30 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found two individuals, Dewanda Dagen, a 38-year-old woman, and Noon Thurmond, a 44-year-old man, both unresponsive with gunshot wounds to the head.

Tragic Discovery and Initial Investigation

Emergency responders arrived at the home and confirmed that both Dagen and Thurmond had died at the scene. Investigators also recovered a firearm from the residence, which will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. While the Chicago Police Department has yet to officially confirm the motive, preliminary information suggests that the incident was the result of a murder-suicide, with family members indicating that it stemmed from a domestic dispute.

Sources from the police department have revealed that the shooting may have been triggered by a personal issue between Dagen and Thurmond. According to preliminary details, Thurmond may have been involved with other partners, and there are claims that he transmitted HIV to Dagen. It is alleged that Dagen discovered the infection, which led to a confrontation between the couple that ultimately escalated into violence. Family members who arrived at the scene confirmed that they believed the shooting was an act of retaliation by Dagen, though they declined to provide further details or speak on camera.

Family’s Reaction and Community Impact

The loss of both individuals has left family members and the community shaken. Although the family members present at the scene did not comment publicly, their reactions indicated deep emotional turmoil as they processed the tragic deaths. Many in the Englewood neighborhood, known for its close-knit community, expressed concern and disbelief that such an incident could unfold in their area, which is usually not the site of such violent crimes.

One local resident shared, “This is so sad. It’s heartbreaking that something like this could happen between two people. We never know what’s going on behind closed doors, but it’s always tragic when things escalate like this.”

The residents of Englewood, who have long been advocating for safer streets and a reduction in violent crime, are now left grappling with the aftermath of a domestic violence incident that tragically ended in the loss of two lives. This shooting has sparked conversations about domestic abuse, mental health, and the devastating consequences of personal disputes that turn violent.

Investigation Continues: Searching for Answers

The Chicago Police Department’s Area One Division has taken the lead in the investigation, working to piece together the circumstances leading up to the murder-suicide. Authorities have yet to release a full motive, though they are actively interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and reviewing ballistic and forensic findings to determine what led to the fatal confrontation.

Detectives are also looking into the dynamics of the relationship between Dagen and Thurmond, seeking to uncover any possible signs of domestic violence or history of abuse. Investigators are focusing on evidence, such as text messages, emails, or other forms of communication between the two, to understand the final moments before the tragic shooting.

Domestic violence is believed to have been a key factor in the escalation of the argument, but police are still working to confirm the exact nature of the conflict. Mental health and substance abuse issues may also play a role, but detectives are continuing their inquiries and have not yet confirmed the involvement of these factors.

The Role of HIV and Health Disputes in Domestic Violence

The speculation surrounding the potential transmission of HIV from Noon Thurmond to Dewanda Dagen has drawn attention to the sensitive and often painful issues that can arise in relationships, particularly when health and personal safety are at stake. Allegations of infidelity, coupled with the discovery of an HIV infection, could have significantly impacted Dagen’s emotional and mental well-being.

Health-related disputes, especially those concerning sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, can lead to extreme emotional reactions and have been linked to instances of domestic violence. In some cases, the realization of an STI diagnosis, particularly one transmitted by a partner, can provoke feelings of betrayal, anger, and emotional distress, which may contribute to violent outbursts. These issues have been shown to be common factors in some domestic violence cases, where one partner may resort to violence as a means of coping with feelings of fear, shame, or a perceived violation of trust.

While the police have not confirmed the full details of the argument or how Dagen discovered the HIV infection, experts in domestic violence and mental health have underscored the importance of addressing health-related conflicts in relationships through proper communication, support, and intervention.

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

The tragic shooting of Dewanda Dagen and Noon Thurmond serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the often overlooked consequences of unresolved personal disputes. In Chicago and across the nation, domestic violence remains a significant public health issue, with many individuals, particularly women, suffering from both physical and emotional abuse in intimate partner relationships.

Calls for Increased Support for Domestic Violence Victims

Organizations such as the Chicago Domestic Violence Hotline and local shelters have expressed concern about the rise of domestic violence and the need for increased resources for victims. Experts in the field have called for more education about the signs of abuse, greater accessibility to mental health services, and increased access to shelters and crisis intervention programs for victims.

According to Dr. Nancy Rubin, a domestic violence expert, “Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as dangerous as physical violence, and when combined with health-related disputes, such as HIV transmission, it can trigger an explosive and tragic outcome. It is crucial for partners in these situations to seek help and for society to provide the necessary resources to support those affected.”

Police Investigation Ongoing

As the investigation continues, the Chicago Police Department is working to uncover every detail of the incident to determine whether other factors, such as substance abuse or mental health crises, played a role in the deadly outcome. Investigators are also reviewing the couple’s background to determine if there were prior incidents of abuse, health concerns, or disputes that could have led to this tragic escalation.

While police continue their investigation, the community waits for answers, hoping that the full story of what led to the murder-suicide will be revealed. Family members of both Dagen and Thurmond are seeking closure as they process the emotional devastation of the tragic deaths.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning

The deaths of Dewanda Dagen and Noon Thurmond have left the Chicago community in mourning, and the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, health-related conflicts, and emotional distress in relationships. As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials and experts in the field of domestic violence are calling for greater awareness and prevention efforts to protect individuals from escalating conflicts.

The emotional toll of this murder-suicide weighs heavily on the families, friends, and community members who knew the victims. As authorities continue their investigation, the hope is that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for action to prevent future acts of violence and ensure that those suffering from domestic violence are provided with the necessary support and resources to escape harm.

The deaths of Dewanda Dagen and Noon Thurmond are a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention, awareness, and compassion in addressing the complex dynamics of abusive relationships and ensuring the safety of individuals in all communities.