Crime
44-year-old Nicole Eaton killed at her home in south of Eudora, suspect Ben Eaton Jr found dead
Douglas County, KS – Authorities have identified Nicole Eaton, 44, as the woman fatally shot in her home south of Eudora on Thursday night. Her husband, Ben Eaton Jr., 52, was also found deceased in the residence, having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
The tragic incident unfolded in the 900 block of East 2300 Road.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at 8:52 p.m. on Thursday after Nicole Eaton made a distress call, reporting difficulty breathing and requesting assistance.
When the first officer—a member of the Eudora Police Department—arrived, a gunshot was heard as the officer approached the home.
Sheriff Jay Armbrister explained during a press conference Friday that the officer retreated for safety, and law enforcement quickly established phone contact with Ben Eaton Jr.
Authorities reported that Ben Eaton had barricaded himself inside the residence and had exhibited overt hostility toward law enforcement, including issuing threats.
The standoff extended overnight and into Friday, as law enforcement used robots and drones to monitor the situation and assess conditions inside the home.
Through the use of these tools, officers were able to confirm that Nicole Eaton was “obviously deceased” inside the home.
Law enforcement refrained from entering the home immediately, citing the dangerous circumstances. The standoff ended on Friday afternoon when officers entered the residence and discovered Ben Eaton’s body alongside his wife’s.
Investigators withheld the couple’s names until family members were notified. Sheriff Armbrister expressed his condolences to the Eaton family and acknowledged the severity of the tragedy during Friday’s press conference.
In the wake of the tragedy, a family member has established a GoFundMe campaign to support the Eaton family during this difficult time.
“The Sheriff’s Office is with this family as they grieve during this horrifying time of tragedy. We wish them peace as they work through this painful time that no family should have to endure,” Sheriff Armbrister said in a formal statement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed additional details about the circumstances leading to the incident.
Crime
23-year-old Donell Gause killed after shooting in North Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago
As of Wednesday morning, no suspects were in custody.
A tragic shooting early Wednesday claimed the life of a young man in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.
The victim, identified as 23-year-old Donell Gause, was found lying in the street after police responded to a report of gunfire in the 1100 block of South Francisco Avenue around 12:45 a.m.
Emergency responders transported Gause to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was treated for multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
As of Wednesday morning, no suspects were in custody.
The case is currently under investigation by detectives from Area 4, who are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact law enforcement.