Autopsies inconclusive for mother, 3 sons found dead in Chatham home

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Autopsies were conducted Monday on a mother and her three sons who were found dead in their South Side home over the weekend, but the cause of their deaths is still pending additional investigation and tests, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office said.

Police found the decomposing bodies of 28-year-old Latoya Jackson and her three boys, 11-year-old Andrew, 9-year-old Cameron, and 5-year-old Kentrall, inside a home in the 8300-block of South Drexel in the Chatham neighborhood just before 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Officers were called to the home after neighbors noticed a foul smell coming from the house. An investigator said there were signs of a fire inside the home.

Family said Jackson was raising her three boys on her own and recently moved into the home after losing her grandmother.

Pearlie Horace, who lives in the neighboring apartment building, said she rarely saw Jackson or her boys, but she was still heartbroken when she learned of their deaths.

"You know, I was, just, frozen. I said, 'Who on earth would have done that?' Especially children?! But, of course, you hear a lot of that now," Horace said.

Loved ones said Latoya Jackson was in an abusive relationship and they fear her boyfriend had something to do with the deaths.

"A lot of sadness and hurt because, I know someone did this to her and her kids," said Lanette Ford, an aunt.

"She didn't hurt nobody. She wouldn't, I promise you. She would not leave them kids in here. This is domestic violence. This is domestic violence. I had to distance myself because it was that violent. I couldn't watch her do that to herself like that," said April Bussell, Jackson's best friend.

Candles, stuffed animals, balloons and signs bearing farewell messages were left on the steps of the house where Jackson and her three boys lived. Those who knew her well said Jackson was a loving and dedicated mother.

Police are conducting a death investigation.