By David Roeder
Chicago Sun Times
CHICAGO — On Friday, 70-year-old Bernard Smith walked his grown son up and down his Roseland block, introducing him to the neighbors. Smith was sharing his joy that his son was home after eight years in prison.
On Saturday, Smith and his wife, 63-year-old Geraldine Simmons, were found slain in their home in 10000 block of South Eberhart.
Chicago police spokesman Kevin Kilmer said there were no charges in the case, but that Area 2 detectives were interviewing “a person of interest.” Sources said the son is the person of interest.
The couple was pronounced dead at the scene about 1 p.m. Saturday. Autopsy reports said Smith died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen and multiple stab wounds and that Simmons died of a stab wound to the neck.
Debra Simmons, a daughter of the couple, said she had little contact with her brother during his incarceration. She said he appeared “on edge” after coming home and that there was a family argument Friday. She said her brother later called her to apologize for the argument.
Concern arose Saturday when friends couldn’t reach the parents, who had planned a weekend party to celebrate their son’s return. Her brother “would answer the phone and he kept saying that they had stepped out to the grocery store,” Debra Simmons said.
Debra Simmons said her parents, who had six children, were both retired and were battling cancer.
Neighbors said the victims were beloved members of a close-knit block with well-tended gardens. “They were good people,” said neighbor Richard Thomas.
Copyright 2009 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.