Former financial adviser dead after apparent suicide pact

The two people found dead with gunshot wounds in a home in Winnebago County this morning are Jean Walsh-Josephson and her husband Dewey Josephson, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.

 

It was an apparent suicide pact, according to deputies. Evidence at the scene showed this appeared to be planned and the two had said their farewells. they said.

 

Walsh-Josephson was in the middle of a jury trial for 39 charges primarily related to theft and forgery involving clients accounts she managed as a financial advisor with Thrivent Financial totaling more than a million dollars.

On Monday, the Winnebago County Circuit Court requested that the Sheriff’s Office conduct a welfare check on her after she failed to make a scheduled court appearance.

Upon arrival at her home on State Highway 91, she and her husband were found dead, deputies said.

After the initial investigation, it appeared Walsh-Josephson's husband shot her and then shot himself, deputies said.

Walsh-Josephson's jury trial had begun on Feb. 20. The case was dismissed Monday morning after her death.

 

Thrivent Financial released a statement, saying:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic situation. Ms. Jean Walsh-Josephson has not been associated with Thrivent Financial for some time. Although Thrivent found the illegal activities in question were intentionally conducted outside of its products and systems, Thrivent has provided financial restitution to victimized members as we believe it was the right thing to do for our members.  Hopefully, this action demonstrates Thrivent’s commitment to serving the best interests of our members."