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.
Atlanta, GA (Fulton County) — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday at approximately 4120 Fulton Industrial Boulevard Southwest in Atlanta.
According to initial reports, the incident involved an exchange of gunfire between law enforcement officers and a suspect at the location.
One officer sustained a gunshot wound and had a tourniquet applied at the scene by fellow officers to control bleeding.
The injured officer was transported for medical treatment and is currently receiving care. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed.
A second officer may have also suffered a graze wound during the incident; this report is still being verified by law enforcement.
The suspect involved in the shooting was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed a “Signal 48” — the radio code indicating a deceased individual — in reference to the suspect.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and an investigation is underway to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
As of now, no additional details regarding the identity of the suspect or the circumstances of the confrontation have been released.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.