BLOOMINGTON — On Tuesday, Sept. 19, at approximately 2:59 a.m., Bloomington Police and Bloomington Fire responded to 14 Brittany Court for a report of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, police and firefighters discovered heavy smoke coming from the residence. Entry was made and three people were located in the basement of the residence. All three were pronounced deceased at the scene by the McLean County Coroner's Office at approximately 4:15 a.m.
The decedents, all residents of the home, were identified as Eric N. Ringenberg, 33, and two sons, C.R., 2 years old, and R.R., an infant. Ringenberg was a former Princeton resident.
According to a press release, Eric's wife, Pamela, awoke to the sound of smoke alarm near her bedroom during the fire. She looked for her cell phone to call for help, but it could not be located. Pamela searched for her family members, but couldn't find them. Pamela, suffering from smoke inhalation, fled the house to seek help from neighbors. According to the press release, home surveillance cameras show, prior to the fire, Eric concealing the family's cell phones, including Pamela's, in a kitchen cabinet.
Autopsies were conducted later on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Preliminary results indicate the cause of death for all three decedents to be strangulation via ligature. Evidence shows Eric's death was a suicide, the press release stated. Video from in-home surveillance cameras also provides evidence of Eric's sole role in the deaths of the children. It has also been determined the fire was intentionally started in the basement by Eric after the children were already deceased.
In the press release, Bloomington Police stated their hearts go out to the family and friends impacted by this tragedy. The public is asked to remember if they or someone is contemplating suicide or is in a mental health crisis, help is available by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).