Grandson accused of killing grandmother and himself in Dixon

A grandmother in Dixon is dead and police think her 27-year-old grandson was the killer. Investigators say 71-year-old Josephine Howard died Tuesday afternoon from multiple stab wounds.

Howard’s body was found after the Lee County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the home she shared with her family in Dixon. Outside police say they found Theodore “Ted” Howard covered with blood from stabbing himself. He died after being taken to KSB Hospital in Dixon.

Police think the grandmother and grandson had been fighting and are considering their deaths a murder-suicide. An investigation continues by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and coroner and Illinois Crime Scene Investigators.

Help available for people with signs of depression

People close to Robin Williams have said the actor was dealing with depression. Would you know how to spot depression and how to get help? Help and answers are closer than you think.

Diane Farrell is the Chief Clinical Officer at North Central Behavioral Health System in La Salle. Farrell says you might confuse feeling sad with depression, but depression lasts longer and does not improve with a change in circumstances.
You might notice that someone is having a hard time sleeping, their eating habits have changed and that they have a hard time finishing tasks. Farrell says you should tell them you are concerned about them, ask questions and then listen to what they want.

You can find prescreening tools for depression and other mental health disorders by visiting North Central’s website.  An interview with Farrell is available at the WLPO AM and FM news page.