The former owner of the iconic house featured in the 1990 film Home Alone has been found dead in a local nature preserve, just days after being charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.
John Abendshien, 79, from Lake Forest, Illinois, was discovered on Wednesday at a nearby nature preserve after his wife reported him missing, according to the Lake Forest Police Department. Preliminary autopsy results indicate he died from asphyxia in a manner consistent with being self-inflicted, the Lake County Coroner’s Office stated on Thursday. Investigators do not suspect foul play, and the incident remains under investigation.
Abendshien was taken into custody last week following a search warrant executed at a Lake Forest home as part of an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation. He was subsequently charged with seven felony offenses related to the possession of child sexual abuse material.
“The search warrant was supported by multiple cyber tips indicating that an online account associated with the suspect had been used in the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse material,” the Lake Forest Police Department said in a statement.
At a hearing on Friday, a petition to detain Abendshien was denied, and he was released with conditions.
“These cases are deeply concerning, and we are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those involved. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect children and ensure community safety,” Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said in a statement.
The Independent had spoken to Abendshien in December about his experience owning the house featured in the Christmas classic. He recalled visiting the home, located outside Chicago, in 1989 and feeling an immediate connection. Less than a year later, a location scout contacted him about using the property in the film.
“I cannot explain it to this day, but when we pulled up and looked at it something about that place just captured my heart,” he said. “For one thing I really love natural light, and that home has an abundance of windows. I just liked the shape of it. True confession, we pretty much bought the house from the curb.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat. This free, confidential service is available 24/7. For international assistance, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
