Death Inside Illinois Nature Preserve Involves Ex-Owner Of ‘Home Alone’ House

A 79-year-old man from Lake Forest, Illinois, was found dead inside a nature preserve. He had already been reported missing by his wife, according to the Lake Forest Police Department. His death came just a few days after he was charged with the possession of child s*xual abuse material.

The Lake County Coroner’s office conducted an autopsy and revealed that the victim died due to asphyxia. Officials said the death appeared to be self-inflicted. The incident remains under investigation.

John Abendshien was known as the former owner of the house featured in the film 'Home Alone,' starring Macaulay Culkin. A week before his death, the 79-year-old was taken into custody after police issued a search warrant.

The action was part of an investigation launched by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which charged Abendshien, with seven felony counts. He was accused of possessing materials related to child s*xual abuse.

In a statement at the time, the Lake Forest Police Department said: “The search warrant was supported by multiple cyber tips indicating that an online account associated with the suspect had been used in the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child s*xual abuse material.”

After his arrest, Abendshien, had attended a hearing for his case. A petition to detain him was later denied. Instead, he was granted conditional release from custody. His trial was pending.

Police Chief John Burke said at the time that cases involving such crimes were being taken seriously by the department. Burke added, “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect children and ensure community safety.”

In the meantime, Abendshien’s death, which authorities said appears to be self-inflicted, drew attention within the community. The coroner’s office said the incident appeared to be isolated and posed no threat to the public. Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the death,

Abendshien once recalled purchasing the property that went on to become a signature location. Speaking with The Independent in December 2025, he said, “I cannot explain it to this day, but when we pulled up and looked at it, something about that place just captured my heart. For one thing, I really love natural light, and that home has an abundance of windows. I just liked the shape of it. True confession, we pretty much bought the house from the curb.”