Springfield, Illinois (Village of Southern View) – The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, has identified the two individuals found deceased in the 3300 block of South 3rd Street on November 11, 2023.

Craig Burch, 37, of Southern View and Michael Gaither, 57, of Southern View were pronounced deceased at their residence at 8:00 p.m. Autopsies were conducted on both individuals today and preliminary findings show Michael Gaither died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and Craig Burch died from a single gun shot wound.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell told us that around 7:00 PM on Saturday, November 11, 2023, the Southern View Police Department conducted a welfare check at a home in the 3000 block of South 3rd Street. Upon gaining entry, that’s when they discovered both Burch and Gaither deceased inside the residence. Sheriff Campbell added that the two individuals were occupants of the home.

Based on preliminary evidence and statements to detectives, the situation is believed to be a case of murder-suicide.

At this time the death remains under investigation by the Sangamon County Coroner and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.