Hammond Boy, 10, Found Shot To Death
HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) -- A 10-year-old Hammond, Ind. boy died from a gunshot wound at his home Tuesday and his father was found wounded at his side, authorities said Wednesday.
The Lake County Coroner's office said Jason DeGroot, of the 4000 block of Torrence Avenue, was pronounced dead about 6:15 p.m. from an apparent homicide.
Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller said a female resident of the house arrived home about 4:45 p.m. and found the father and son lying in bed. She called police thinking both were dead, Miller said.
Police, who did not identify the father, said he was taken to a hospital in Illinois where Miller said he was in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his chest.
Miller said police recovered a handgun used in the shootings and the bullets. Miller said no other children were in the house.
Jason attended Lincoln Elementary School in Hammond. Hammond school officials couldn't be reached for comment.
Miller said there was no forced entry to the home. "There's no danger to the public. We believe we'll be able to solve this."
