John Abendshien, a former owner of the iconic Home Alone house, has been found dead at a nature preserve in Illinois days after facing child sexual abuse material charges.
Authorities said the 79-year-old was discovered at the Lake Forest Open Lands: Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve. Preliminary findings indicate death by asphyxia in a manner believed to be self-inflicted, though police have opened an investigation.
Abendshien was known for owning the famous house in Winnetka used in Home Alone, where he lived during filming. He later wrote a memoir about the property and its connection to the film.
Earlier this month, prosecutors in Lake County State Attorney’s Office charged him with seven felony counts related to possession of child sexual abuse material following an investigation prompted by cyber tips.
The Lake Forest Police Department executed a search warrant at his home and seized electronic evidence. He appeared at a detention hearing on April 17 and was released under conditions before his death.
Officials said there is no threat to the public and described the incident as isolated.
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