Catherine Weiland

How they died

Suicide

In 2014, the Chicago Police Board fired Sgt. Steven Lesner for his involvement in the death of Catherine Weiland, who allegedly used his gun to kill herself while he was in her apartment. The two met earlier that night when Lesner responded to a disturbance between Weiland and her boyfriend at a restaurant. Lesner said he drove Weiland home, but stopped to buy her a bottle of wine first. The two later talked on the phone, and Lesner agreed to come over and watch TV after his shift, according to police. At some point, Lesner removed his ankle holster. Lesner said he went to the bathroom and heard a gunshot at around 1:40 a.m. Police found Weiland with a gunshot wound to her right temple with Lesner's 9 mm handgun on her lap. The medical examiner's office ruled her death a suicide. Lesner's hands were tested for gunshot residue, but not for more than three hours after the shooting. The test showed no residue, but Lesner admitted he'd washed his hands. GSR was found on Weiland's left hand, though reports indicate she shot herself with her right hand. Investigators said the test results might have been mixed up or that Weiland might have used both hands.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Catherine Weiland, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources