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.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.