Springfield Mayor Fatally Shot

Mayor Tim Davlin of Springfield was found dead and with a gunshot wound on Tuesday morning, the State Journal-Register reports. Police will not confirm the details of his death and the investigation is on-going, but early reports indicate that it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Murder does not appear to be an option, although police have stated that the investigation is in its beginning stages so they will not comment. There have so far been no reports of attempted robbery or burglary.

His body was found by authorities when he failed to show up to a court appearance this morning. The court hearing was not criminal - it concerned his deceased cousin's estate. Davlin did, however, have around $90,000 in tax debts, though he claimed that there was a misunderstanding and that he had used investments to buy his home, which now has a lien on it. Tax evasion is a federal offense, but Davlin had not been charged with anything.

Frank Kunz is mayor pro tem of Springfield, and he will be in charge until a new public official is elected. The election should occur within 60 days.

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