An autopsy revealed that Jean had died from smoke inhalation. She was apparently hit on the head and set on fire in the family's basement laundry room. Gordon Weaver, Jean's husband of 17 years, was the main suspect. Jean had asked Gordon for a divorce three days before she died. An analysis of Jean's clothing detected turpentine and a petroleum product, such as mineral spirits or charcoal lighter fluid on her clothes. Police claim these fluids were also found on Gordon's shoes and socks.

Gordon Weaver was charged with first-degree murder. Court documents say Gordon Weaver's business, Oakdale Golf & Tennis Club Inc., was floundering financially. He was listed as the sole beneficiary for his wife's two $189,000 life and accidental death insurance policies, as well as her 401K retirement account of $34,533.

Days before a pre-trial hearing Weaver disappeared. On March 9th 2000, a 1996 Toyota RAV4 that Weaver had borrowed from his family was found abandoned in Summit, a Chicago suburb, with blood in the car and credit cards strewn about. Investigators believe Weaver was attempting to stage his own death; shortly thereafter, the FBI received a tip from a Weaver confidante that confirmed that Gordon Weaver was indeed still alive. Gordon Weaver is on the FBI's Wanted list and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

UPDATE: After four years on the run, Gordon Weaver has been captured.  Weaver had been living in a remote area near Florence, Oregon under the assumed name of David Carson.  A woman recognized him from a mug shot on the internet and tipped off the authorities. Gordon Weaver was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in jail.  In October 2006, Weaver’s parents were charged with aiding an offender for helping Gordon Weaver stay on the run.