Murdered Springfield couple identified, suspect in custody on unrelated charge

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A suspect is in custody in connection with the murders of a Springfield couple, but he is facing an unrelated charge.

Mark N. Crites Jr. made his first appearance in court, Tuesday morning.

According to court records, Crites Jr. is facing charges of aggravated arson, residential arson, and two counts of first degree murder. His bond has now been set at $5,000,000.

A husband and wife was found dead inside a Springfield home Sunday morning.

The coroner said John Norgaard, 67, of Springfield and his wife Gloria Norgaard, 69, also of Springfield were pronounced deceased at their residence. Preliminary autopsy findings show that Mr. Norgaard died from multiple gunshot wounds and Mrs. Norgaard died from a single gunshot wound.

According to the Sangamon County Sheriff, around 8 a.m. Sunday morning, Sangamon County Dispatch received a 911 call from the 500 block of Southwind Drive.

The caller, a relative, indicated there were two deceased people in a residence. The deaths were confirmed by first responders.

According to the Sangamon County Coroner, the deaths are being investigated as homicides.

Monday morning around 9:30, the vehicle the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office was looking for in relation to the murders was located in Benld, Illinois, about 50 minutes away from Springfield.

A male suspect, Mark N. Crites Jr., 23 of Springfield, was located in the vehicle and was taken into custody by the Gillespie Police Department, without incident. Crites initially refused to identify himself to authorities.

Crites is due back in court on September 22, at 8:30 a.m.

Police released further details regarding Crites arson charges Tuesday afternoon.

According to reports, Springfield Police were called to a home on Genoa Dr. Saturday evening for a report of a disturbance and possible structure fire.

Crites family told police he had been in a disturbance with his brother and allege that he had poured gasoline throughout the home and lit it on fire.

Crites was then said to have fled the scene on foot before police arrived.

Police conducted a search of the neighborhood, park, and nearby businesses, but were unsuccessful in locating Crites at this time.

Springfield Fire Department arson investigators responded to investigate the fire, and reported no serious injuries.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Crites and he was located and taken into custody by Gillespie Police Department on September 12, 2022.