Ruth Ann Constant Gee was 39 when she was found dead at her home in Beason, Illinois, on September 21, 2009. Initial reports and the funeral home notice identify her as a homemaker; her death was one of five in the Gee household that night caused by blunt-force trauma. Her husband Raymond Rick Gee and three of their children also died; a 3-year-old daughter survived with severe head injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition.

Authorities investigated after a 911 call reporting possible gunshots. Investigators—including the FBI—worked the scene and canvassed the area; over 100 tips were received. Weeks later, Christopher Harris and his brother Jason Harris were arrested and charged. Prosecutors alleged the brothers entered the home armed with a tire iron intending robbery and to sexually assault the family’s teenage daughter, Justina Constant. Christopher Harris was later convicted on multiple counts of first-degree murder and related charges; Jason Harris pleaded and testified against him and was sentenced on related offenses.

In 2014 the Gee family requested, and local authorities approved, burning the house where the killings occurred; firefighters carried out the controlled burn as part of the family’s effort to remove the physical reminder of the crime.

If anyone knew the Gees, the Harris brothers, or witnessed anything in Beason around September 21, 2009, please share information that might help the family or clarify unanswered questions.