(CBS) ¯ Police usually close a death investigation when the Medical Examiner's office comes down with a suicide ruling, but in the case of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott, that is not happening. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office ruled that Scott's death early Monday was a suicide. But shortly after the ruling on Monday, police said their investigation would continue. "We know what the (medical examiner) ruled, but there's still a lot of questions that exist out there," police Supt. Jody Weis said. "We want to make sure we've done a thorough examination before we make a definitive call ourselves. It's early on, this investigation."
That's actually typical of police investigations of suicides. Even in an obvious case the police become very thorough so as to prevent accusations of slipshod work later on.
People who knew Scott well also say they can't imagine he would take his own life. "I haven't talked to anyone that believes that this was in fact a suicide," said former alderman and WVON radio host Cliff Kelley.
Scott's body was found partially submerged in the Chicago River near the inoperable Kinzie Street railroad bridge after 3 a.m. Monday. His Cadillac was nearby, and a .380-caliber handgun was found underneath or near his body.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is tracing the history of that handgun and will turn over their findings to Chicago police.
Sources said no suicide note has been found. And Weis said Scott's wife said it was unusual for him not to return home before midnight. Scott was last seen alive around 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
In a statement, Scott's family said "The family of Michael W. Scott deeply appreciates the outpouring of support during this time of unimaginable grief. Our personal loss is also shared by many throughout Chicago, the home he loved so much. We will miss him greatly."