3 dead in Merrillville murder-suicide, police say

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) -- Authorities in Merrillville, Indiana, said a man fatally shot his parents before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide.

The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the victims as 34-year-old Eric Meeks, 66-year-old John Meeks and 65-year-old Olga Meeks.

Police conducted a well-being check at a home in the 3600-block of West 79th Street around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, after receiving a call from Olga Meeks' daughter. She said her mother missed a planned visit with relatives, which was unusual for her.

Officers found the garage door open and John Meeks dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Olga and Eric Meeks were found dead inside the home. Investigators said the gun Eric used was also found inside the house.

Bill Paige, who lives in the area, jogs through the neighborhood and often stopped to talk to John Meeks.

"He's just a nice fellow. We just talked. This is a surprise - not a surprise, a devastation," Paige said.

"I knew them. They were good people. They had problems here and there. But just, I feel really bad for what happened," another neighbor said.

Police said Eric Meeks has a history of mental illness and lived in a mental health facility in nearby Hobart. Officers have been to the home before for domestic disturbances involving him.

John and Olga Meeks leave behind two older daughters who live out of state.