Antioch, IL – A disturbing incident unfolded in unincorporated Antioch, Illinois, when a 39-year-old mother, embroiled in a heated custody battle, was arrested for making a false 911 call alleging her ex-husband had murdered their children. The reported tragedy was revealed to be entirely fabricated, leading to serious legal consequences for Theresa M. Kennedy.
This case highlights the severe repercussions that false emergency calls can have on law enforcement resources, families, and public trust. Authorities responded swiftly to the call, only to find that the children were safe and unharmed, underscoring the gravity of making deceptive claims during such a sensitive dispute.
The False 911 Call Incident Uncovered
On Friday, September 5, at approximately 1:20 p.m., deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received an urgent call from Theresa M. Kennedy regarding a supposed murder within her family. Kennedy claimed she was not at home but had received a phone call from her eldest son, reporting that he had come home to find his younger siblings shot and killed.
As the call escalated, Kennedy also reported losing contact with her eldest son and speculated that he might have been killed as well. She further insinuated that her ex-husband could be responsible for the alleged murders, prompting deputies to rush immediately to the residence at the 25000 block of West Jersey Drive.
However, upon arrival, deputies quickly discovered that all the children were alive, safe, and attending school. The investigation revealed the entire call was a false report, likely motivated by the ongoing custody fight.
Legal Consequences and Custody Developments
Following the investigation, authorities charged Kennedy with one count of felony disorderly conduct for making a false report to 911. She was taken to Lake County Jail and later granted pretrial release after her initial court appearance on September 6. Kennedy is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on September 24.
The state’s Department of Children and Family Services was notified, and custody of the children was transferred to their father. Kennedy is currently being represented by the Lake County Public Defender’s Office.
Impact and Community Response
This incident has attracted attention due to its disturbing nature and the strain it places on emergency services. False reports can divert critical resources away from real emergencies and have a profound emotional impact on families involved.
Key details include:
- Theresa M. Kennedy’s false claim involved a supposed shooting death of her two younger children and her eldest son.
- The children were confirmed safe and attending school.
- The false report was made during an intense custody dispute.
- Kennedy was charged with felony disorderly conduct for making the false 911 emergency call.
- The Lake County Sheriff’s Office promptly responded to the call, prioritizing child safety.
“It is unknown how she felt making this false claim would be beneficial to her, or her situation,” the Lake County Sheriff’s Office commented on the bizarre call during their investigation.
What Does This Mean for Custody Disputes and Emergency Protocols?
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the extreme measures some individuals may take in heated custody battles and the critical importance of truthful communication with emergency services. It also underscores the need for thorough investigation in crisis calls to protect innocent individuals and uphold justice.
Families and legal professionals are reminded of the serious implications false reports carry, including potential criminal charges and loss of custody. Furthermore, these actions jeopardize the effectiveness of public safety responders in addressing actual emergencies.
Have You Encountered or Witnessed a Similar Incident?
What do you think about this alarming false 911 call during a custody dispute? Have you ever been involved in or affected by a custody battle? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
