New evidence found in Fox Lake murder investigation, officials say

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Saturday, September 5, 2015
New evidence in Fox Lake investigation
Authorities say a new piece of evidence has been found in the investigation in the death of Lt. Joe Gliniewicz.

FOX LAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- Authorities say a new piece of evidence has been found in the police investigation into the shooting death of Lt. Joe Gliniewicz in Fox Lake.

As the community comes together, so too does the investigation, say police, after a follow-up search of the brush-filled crime scene.

"We did recover a significant piece of evidence," said Cmdr. George Filenko, Lake County Major Crime Task Force. "I know your next question is going to be, 'What is it?' I'm not at liberty to tell you."

Lt. Gliniewicz was fatally shot after calling in suspicious activity near an old cement plant Tuesday morning.

Investigators say they still haven't viewed surveillance videos that may show the three suspects wanted in connection with Gliniewicz's death. Instead they are waiting for FBI experts to compile the videos chronologically. Specifically, Filenko said the Lake County Dept. of Transportation turned over video from traffic cameras.

"That's usually recycled within a matter of hours, but they were astute enough that when they heard about this officer's slaying, they've held video from some of the intersections that are key to that exact location," Filenko said. "We want to make sure we're looking at the right people."

Schaumburg-based Motorola Solutions announced a $50,000 reward in the case. A 24-hour tip line and website are also now set up. Lake County Sheriff's Det. Chris Covelli said a number of other corporations have also offered to contribute to the reward. Covelli said that any business wishing to contribute to the reward should contact Lake County Undersheriff Raymond Rose at 847-377-4367.

Friday night football in the far north suburb was subdued as fans, players and coaches honor the fallen police officer.

At Grant Community High School a moment of silence was held for Lt. Gliniewicz. His initials were inscribed on the Bulldogs' helmets, his nickname on the cheerleaders' ribbons and a sea of blue and black filled the stands.

"He used to come to all of our games," said student Mike Garcia. "When he was here it was like he we another teammate on the field because every time he was here, he just brought life to our field."

With the arrival of Labor Day crowds, the already hefty law enforcement presence has been doubled. On this holiday weekend, the longest line in downtown Fox Lake was not at a bar or restaurant, but at a sign shop where tokens of tribute are being distributed.

"I'm going to put it in my front yard, and I'm going to put a blue light next to it or in front of it. And it will stay there," said Fox Lake resident Wendy Foley.

The tip line phone number is 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips, photos and video can also be submitted online: www.fbi.gov/foxlake.

VIDEO: Authorities update Fox Lake murder investigation

FUNERAL PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR SLAIN OFFICER

Gov. Bruce Rauner has ordered all state flags to fly at half-staff as people prepare to say their final goodbyes to Lt. Gliniewicz. Flags will fly half-staff from sunrise Saturday morning to sunset Monday evening.

Lt. Gliniewicz's funeral will be held at Antioch High School on Monday. Public viewing begins at 9 a.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m. There will be a procession from the high school to Hillside East Cemetery in Antioch, where Gliniewicz will be laid to rest.

MORE: Click here to view a map of the funeral procession route

Lt. Gliniewicz's funeral service and procession will be streamed live on ABC7Chicago.com on Monday.

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