A man has killed his girlfriend believing she had contracted coronavirus, before shooting himself dead.
Cheryl Schriefer was found dead with partner Patrick Jesernik after the apparent murder-suicide at the home they had shared for eight years.
Both had tested negative for Covid-19.
Police in Illinois, USA attended the couple's home to carry out a welfare check on Thursday and made the shocking discovery.
Will County Sheriff’s Office said that after finding all the doors and windows of the property locked from the inside, the officers alongside firefighters forced entry.
They found both their bodies in separate rooms.
Family told officers that Mr Jesernik “had been scared that he and Cheryl had contracted the Covid-19 virus, and that Cheryl was tested two days ago,” the police statement read.
Ms Schriefer had been having trouble breathing in the days leading up to the deaths, leading her paranoid boyfriend to fear she had the virus.
Authorities say there was no record of domestic abuse at the residence and “a check of both deceased individuals was also conducted which showed very limited police contact”.
The Sheriff’s office added that most calls to them since the coronavirus lockdown were domestic abuse or crisis intervention related.
It said: "As a reminder, if anyone is a victim of a domestic violence situation, the Will County Courthouse remains open for individuals in need of obtaining an order of protection."
In the UK anyone in need of help can call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or in an emergency dial 999.
You can also contact Refuge online at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us
