With a rifle, a knife, and a thirst for vengeance, a soon-to-be-divorced Wisconsin man headed to his in-laws’ home in Illinois.

According to a news release from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, on December 1 at around 6:40 pm, a 68-year-old husband and 66-year-old wife were seated in their living room in the neighborhood of Crete, Illinois, 37 miles south of Chicago, when shots were fired.

Their son-in-law, 36-year-old Michael Liu, opened fire on them from the outside of the house. The release stated that despite missing every shot, he wasn’t giving up. According to the sheriff’s office, the determined Liu had traveled more than 100 miles from his residence in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, to “enact revenge on his soon-to-be ex-wife’s parents.” 

He entered the house by breaking through a sliding glass door and continued to fire. Police said Liu almost shot the pair, but his pistol jammed. Unfazed, he assaulted his mother-in-law with a knife and stabbed her many times before being stopped by his father-in-law. As they fought over the knife, Liu repeatedly tried to stab his father-in-law, but the older man ultimately yanked the knife from Liu’s hands and stabbed his son-in-law 17 times.

When deputies arrived at the bloody scene in response to a 911 call, it appeared as if no one would live. The wounds were numerous and severe. However, all three were treated at hospitals and eventually pulled through. 

Sheriff Mike Kelley stated that three lives may have been lost that day if it weren’t for the cops’ rapid response. 

Before the incident, Liu had a criminal history. He had been found guilty of domestic violence in July.

Liu was apprehended on a warrant with no bond for attempted murder and home invasion.