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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.