Man shot parents to death, then killed himself in Merrillville

A 34-year-old man fatally shot both of his parents before killing himself Sunday night in northwest Indiana.

Merrillville police responded to a home in the 3600 block of West 79th Avenue about 9 p.m. and found 66-year-old John Meeks dead with a gunshot wound to the head in the garage, Commander Jeff Rice said.

Meeks’ wife, 65-year-old Olga Meeks, and their son, Eric Meeks, were found dead inside the home, authorities said.

Rice said it appears Eric Meeks shot his father, then went into the house and shot his mother before turning the gun on himself.

All three were dead at the scene, according to the Lake County coroner’s office. The weapon and three spent shell casings were found at the scene.

Eric Meeks lived in a regional mental health facility, Rice said. The motive for the shooting was unknown as of Monday afternoon.

The bodies were found after one of Eric Meeks’ siblings, who lives out of state, called to ask Merrillville police to conduct a well-being check because she was worried about her mother, Rice said.

Rice said the family is working on funeral arrangements.