Woman fatally shot by ex-husband in University Park murder-suicide, police say

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- University Park police said a woman was killed by her ex-husband, before he turned the gun on himself in the parking lot of a south suburban apartment complex.

One witness told ABC7 Eyewitness News he tried to intervene, but was unable to stop the gunman.

Investigators recovered shell casings and other evidence from the scene, including the victim's purse and backpack.

Bobby Bradley said he heard a loud argument just before 6 a.m. Thursday from his daughter's upstairs apartment. Then he heard gunshots. He ran outside and tried to get the gunman's attention.

"He's still standing with the gun in his hand. I said, 'Hey sir! What's the problem here?' Then bam! By the time I got to him, he was stretched over her," Bradley said.

Police confirm the incident was a murder-suicide. They said the gunman was the former husband of the victim, Tiffany Jones.

Investigators said Jones had just returned from her overnight shift at work when her ex-husband confronted her in the parking lot. Her two children, ages 9 and 13, were inside her apartment.

Taquila Bibbins lives across the hall from the victim and met Jones' ex about a month ago.

"I was messed up. I couldn't believe it. I was shaking. I was in tears," Bibbins said.

"I looked outside because I heard somebody scream. That's when I saw her and him. He was laying on top of her on the ground," said Shamonica Hall, another witness.

Police said they had been called to the residence previously, but not recently. They also said they were unaware of any threats.

"It was an ongoing domestic situation. They had gone through some litigation in court, concerning the divorce and separation," University Park Police Chief Ed Bradley said.

Authorities have not released the name of the gunman. Jones' children are with her mother.