BLOOMINGTON - The circumstances surrounding the deaths of two LeRoy brothers and their father remained a mystery Tuesday after an emotional news conference in which McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery said a murder-suicide investigation has just begun. | News of tragedy spreads fast in LeRoy | Timeline | Photo gallery | Video

The bodies of Duncan Connolly, 9, his brother Jack, 7, and their father, Michael Connolly, 40, of Bloomington, were found by police in a remote, wooded area of Putnam County around 5 p.m. Sunday, three weeks after a nationwide search began, police said Monday.

The boys were in the back seat of Connolly's car and their father was about 60 yards away, police said.

Connolly disappeared with his sons following a weekend visit scheduled to end March 8. Police were notified when he failed to bring the boys back to the LeRoy Police Department where a family friend was to pick up the children and return them to their mother, Amy Leichtenberg.

Family and friends grieve

"My heart is broken and there are no words that express my pain. No parent should have to bury their babies. Duncan and Jack, Mommy loves you to the heavens and back," Leichtenberg said in a statement released through a family friend.

Among those grieving Monday was Lilly Starr, 8, a classmate of Duncan. With her mother, Shelly Lake, she visited LeRoy High School, where pastors and grief counselors were on hand Monday evening.

"They're with God in a better place," said Lilly. One way to cope is "remembering them in your heart," she said.

Few new details

The news conference Monday produced few details surrounding the deaths - including how the three died and how long their bodies had been at the site about eight miles south of Hennepin.

Emery's voice broke several times as he read a prepared statement that outlined the efforts to find the boys.

McLean County Sheriff's Lt. Jeff Elston disclosed that Connolly had no contact with police, and police do not believe Connolly attempted to contact family members or others during the time he was missing with the boys.

Elston said he was not aware of any ties Connolly had to Putnam County.

Additional questions about the deaths will have to wait, Putnam County Sheriff Kevin Doyle told reporters who traveled from as far as away as Chicago for the conference.

"At this point, the investigation is less than 24 hours old," said Doyle.

Todd Roseberry, who represented Connolly over violations of the court order barring contact with Leichtenberg, said he was stunned by three deaths.

"The Michael Connolly I knew was very affectionate and loved his kids," Roseberry said, adding that he hadn't spoken with Connolly since late last summer.

The McLean County coroner's office conducted autopsies Monday afternoon, but results were not released.

Coroner Beth Kimmerling said Putnam County officials agreed to have the bodies transferred to Bloomington for autopsy rather than to Grundy County, which handles the procedure for Putnam County.

"With all the agencies involved, it was decided it was best to bring the boys back to what is considered their home," she said.

The jurisdiction for the death investigation remains in Putnam County, authorities said.

Sharon K. Wolfe and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The Connolly case

March 8: Duncan, 9, and Jack Connolly, 7, fail to return to the LeRoy Police Department after a scheduled visit with their father, Michael Connolly, 40, of Bloomington. The boys' mother, Amy Leichtenberg, reports them missing.

March 9: A nationwide Amber Alert is posted for the boys, who police believe were kidnapped by their father. An arrest warrant is issued for Michael Connolly, who recently lost his job and learned he wouldn't receive a tax refund because he owes back child support. Police look through Connolly's computer records.

March 11: A family friend publicly pleads with Michael Connolly to return the boys. The case now is overseen by LeRoy Police Department, McLean County Sheriff's Department, Bloomington and Normal police departments, U.S. Marshal's Service and the FBI.

March 12: A prayer vigil at LeRoy Methodist Church draws nearly 300 people.

March 16: Sheriff Mike Emery said leads include a report that the boys were spotted in Virginia on March 10. Leichtenberg and friend Michelle Johnson travel around Central Illinois and to Chicago to pass out informational fliers and photos.

March 17: A reward fund is established. Police disclose that Michael Connolly has been treated for depression, threatened suicide and is known to have a gambling problem. State's Attorney Bill Yoder warns that anyone helping Connolly could face criminal charges.

March 18: Police and court records outline the couple's history of problems going back as far as 2006. They divorced in 2007 after 13 years of marriage. Family and friends ask spring break travelers to pass out fliers as they go across the country.

March 20: LeRoy Elementary School is a sea of blue and green as classmates and adults honor Duncan and Jack with the boys' favorite colors. Ribbons of remembrance drape the town.

March 21: The boys' disappearance is highlighted on "America's Most Wanted," a national television program dedicated to tracking down fugitives and finding missing people.

March 23: Police provide new information about Michael Connolly's car.

March 27: Police share that both boys may need medical help for asthma and that Jack is without his hearing aide and needs speech therapy. A petition circulates to encourage another segment on "America's Most Wanted."

March 29: Police find the bodies of Duncan, Jack and Michael in a rural area of Putnam County.