By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Last week’s murder of a toddler and his infant brother apparently at the hands of their father was the probably the worst case Jason Chambers said he’s seen since become McLean County State’s Attorney.

Chambers told WJBC’s Sam Wood the tragedy has taken a toll on staffers at the State’s Attorney’s office and for first responders.

“We’re not in the same position as the firefighters and the first responders who have to be there and see the traumatic aspect of it unfolding,” said Chambers. “We do have to go through the process of looking at the scenes, looking at the aftermath, and it’s pretty gruesome stuff.”

Authorities believe Eric Ringenberg strangled his sons before setting fire to his house and hanging himself on Brittany Court on Bloomington’s northeast side last Tuesday morning.

Ringenberg’s wife, Pamela, suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at a local hospital.

A visitation was scheduled Monday night for Eric Ringenberg and his sons, Colin Parker Ringenberg and Russell Thomas Ringenberg.

The family arranged a private funeral and burial for Ringenbeg and his sons.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].