Connect with us

Crime

44-year-old Nicole Eaton killed at her home in south of Eudora, suspect Ben Eaton Jr found dead

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Officer-Involved Shooting in Bartow Leaves Three Injured, Including Two Officers

Published

on

BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.

The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.

Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.

The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

Advertisement

Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.

Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.


Continue Reading