Update 11:35 a.m.
Officers found David Baitman unresponsive in the home’s attic at around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police.
The inside of the single-story house was “completely destroyed,” according to an report. A rope noose was tied to a rafter in the attic where Baitman was found and several alcoholic beverages were on a nearby ledge.
Baitman, who was awaiting trial on accusations he sexually assaulted a woman in his home, was pronounced dead at the scene by an Ingalls Hospital doctor police had called.
Baitman’s daughter, Tiffany Zaba, had requested a well-being check and called Cook County probation officers to the home, according to the report. Baitman was on electronic home monitoring awaiting the trial and was tracked to the house.
Zaba reportedly told probation officers her father had “not been acting like himself lately” and that she was worried about him.
Probation officers who first arrived obtained a key to the house from Zaba and, after entering the house, could smell a strong odor of natural gas, the report states. Oak Forest firefighters were called shortly after and turned off the gas line.
Oak Forest police found the inside of the house completely destroyed, according to the report. The stove was on and the front glass window was broken out. All the faucets were opened, which flooded much of the house.
A Cook County medical examiner was called to take the body.
Original story
Police have confirmed that a body found inside a Landings Lane home late Tuesday night is that of former city attorney David Baitman.
Baitman, 60, was accused of inside his home in September 2011.
The cause of death appears to be suicide, police said. Oak Forest police were investigating a body found at 14868 Landings Lane late Tuesday but had not released details until this morning.
Last month, Baitman's defense attorney had changed his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity.
Check back with Patch as the story develops.
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The Dave I knew was a devoted public servant, devoted family man, a good neighbor, and a devoted Christian. We may never understand what went wrong, but we pray for Dave's family, and to help us understand what went wrong and how society can help avoid these situations in the future. Ivent, I feel your frustration and fear. God was watching over us this week and I am grateful that Dave's illness and actions did not take the whole neighborhood with him. Natural gas explosions are dangerous and could have leveled a number of adjacent homes. Oak Forest first responders had the courage to enter a house that had the smell of gas and they potentially saved a lot of lives Tuesday night. I am grateful and thankful for their service.
Nothing is being swept under the rug. Doesn't need to be swept under the rug. The case is over -- or it will be over legally very soon. There was no fraud. He was out on bond on an ankle bracelet. He had no criminal background prior to this. Lies? What lies? Who's controlling your rights? Go call Lisa Madigan. Tell her you're the angry neighbor, fraud was committed because a defendant on bond committed suicide rather than go on trial. In fact, go to your window, open it up, stick your head out and yell, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore! I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
Secondly is the idea that a invisible space daddy in the sky was looking out for you. So what you are saying is that other families who have been killed in gas explosions were not as special as yourself and your family? God said "I let the nazis kill, but I am going to take the time to make sure Dave in Oak Forest is safe with his family". Wow... Paragraph two, first sentence you state that he was a devoted Chrstian. LOL...WELL THAT JUST MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE! We all have tough lives and tough jobs but we all don't go around assaulting women and nearly blowing up entire blocks!
It is insane to allow a person who cops an insanity plea to remain alone in his own home. If you can't understand that, you've either got other issues or some kind of an agenda.
ers.