Their bodies were discovered around noon by the female victim's mother after the woman missed a doctor's appointment.
"The 60-year-old male was located in the second bedroom along with the 7-year-old boy. The 47-year-old female was located in the upstairs master bedroom," said Acting Deputy Chief John Lawson, Roselle Police Dept.
The boy and his mother were both in their beds. The father's body was found on the floor of the second bedroom, police said.Officials are calling the case a death investigation and said the public is not in danger. There is no sign of forced entry, police said, and a gun was recovered at the scene.
"The only thing we could do is assure everybody that the community is safe. The school right down the street is not on lockdown. And the investigation is centered around the residence," said Acting Dep. Chief John Lawson, Roselle Police Dept. "None of the neighbors heard or saw anything."
"I think it's horrible, terrible to hear something like this happen here in Roselle," said Olga Ortiz, neighbor.
"I'm hearing that there was an apparent murder-suicide. And a man evidently shot his wife and 7-year-old," said Kevin Irwin, neighbor. "Surprise, uncertainty. You know, that it could happen so close to home. It's just amazing. I'm not sure what to make of it."
Neither Ortiz or Irwin had heard of any trouble at the home. They said the couple lived in the home for 14 years.
"He was very devoted to his son. They were very concerned about their son's safety. And very much a concern of the child and him being able to walk to and from school, that's why they had bought here-- was the ability to be close to the school and all of that," said Bob Goedke, Homeowners Association president.
The victims have not been identified.
The 7-year-old boy was in the first grade down the street at Nerge School. The medical examiner's office is not expected to release the names of the victims until Thursday. Many in the school community are aware of the identity of the seven-year-old first grader. The school plans to have grief counseling available. When asked if it might be a murder-suicide police say they are calling it a death investigation pending the medical examiner's report. "Nobody in the community is in danger. It is centered around the residence. There is no forced entry and we are not looking for any suspects," said Lawson.