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
18-year-old Timothy Haynes killed in North Charleston shooting
His mother was found performing CPR on him, and officers detected a faint pulse.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday night in North Charleston.
Timothy Haynes, 18, was pronounced dead at approximately 11:54 p.m. at the scene of the incident on Wales Court, according to Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal.
The cause of death has been confirmed as a gunshot wound.
North Charleston Police responded to a call reporting gunfire and an unresponsive individual in the 4200 block of Wales Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered Haynes lying on the ground.
His mother was found performing CPR on him, and officers detected a faint pulse.
They continued life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but Haynes succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Authorities canvassed the area, seeking video surveillance and witnesses to gather further information.
The North Charleston Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the North Charleston Police Tip Line at 843-607-2076.
This is an ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.