On May 29, 2020, in Carmi, Illinois, 71-year-old Phyllis K. Daniel was found dead in a vehicle parked in the driveway of her home at 1604 Hillcrest Avenue. Inside the house, authorities located the body of 72-year-old Charles W. Daniel; both had sustained gunshot wounds. A family member who could not reach the couple reported concerns and went to the residence, prompting the Carmi Police Department to respond.

Investigators concluded that Charles W. Daniel shot Phyllis while she was in the vehicle and that he later died inside the home. The incident was described as isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public. Phyllis and Charles had been married since August 23, 1969, were active in their churches, and are survived by their daughter Rachel Daniel Scott, son Philip A. Daniel, and a grandson Ian Daniel.

A drive-through visitation was held June 3, 2020, at Burrell’s Woods in Carmi, with private burial at St. John’s Cemetery and a family request that donations be made to the Murray Parents Association in Centralia in lieu of flowers. If anyone knew Phyllis or the family and has information to share, please come forward.