CHICAGO (WLS) -- Authorities have released the cause of death for a northwest suburban man whose body was found after a vehicle fire in the Pilsen neighborhood last month.
The victim was identified as 43-year-old James Gerage of Barrington Hills, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said. His cause of death has been ruled as a homicide from multiple injuries due to assault.
He was found dead in the back seat of a car after a fire in the 600-block of West 21st Street late September 23, Chicago Fire Department officials said.
He was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m. September 24.
The vehicle was found in an industrial area steps from the Dan Ryan.
Gerage was a successful businessman who co-owned Elgin-based Omega Demolition with his brother. The company is known for high-profile projects, such as the demolition of Wacker Drive, and most recently, the Ohio feeder ramp and the widening of the Jane Addams Tollway.