Posted by Annoyed on October 22, 2009 at 15:20:54:
In Reply to: CLTV's Garrard McClendon's Parents Murdered posted by sad to report.. on October 22, 2009 at 15:18:53:
A little more information at ChicagoBreakingNews.com. More is sure to follow-up, you can bet. Obviously, condolences to Mr. McClendon's family and friends at this terrible time.
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McClendon family: There is 'comfort on the horizon'
October 21, 2009 10:12 PM
By all accounts, Milton and Ruby McClendon knew their Indiana community as well as anyone. They attended government meetings and, when there was a problem in town, they called the mayor on his radio show.
Now Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott says he's taking their unsolved killings personally.
Ruby "would call in about problems in the community -- if people were playing loud music, or breaking the law, she wouldn't stand for it," McDermott said Wednesday, a day after Hammond authorities revealed that the parents of popular CLTV host Garrard McClendon were shot and killed.
"They loved Hammond. It devastates me that they died here like this. I feel like I've failed them," McDermott said. "Of course me and my police chief want to solve every crime, but when you personally know the victims as we did, it just gives you that extra motivation."
Neighbors and friends stopped by Wednesday at the couple's home on a tree-lined street featuring mostly bungalow homes. The couple were one of the first African-American families to move to Hammond and made it a point to contribute to the community, neighbors said.
The McClendons were found shot to death Monday afternoon in a forest preserve near Calumet City.
An autopsy determined Milton McClendon, 78, died from a shot in the head, and Ruby McClendon, 76, died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Their bodies were discovered by a walker at Wentworth Woods Forest Preserve. Police discovered the couple's 1997 Cadillac Eldorado parked on the Dan Ryan Expressway Wednesday morning.
A witness said she saw two men, one wearing a red, hooded sweat-shirt and the other carrying a book bag, running from the car.
Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller said his officers want to speak with anyone who saw the vehicle before it was recovered. He said detectives were "working to determine" whether the couple was killed at their home, declining further comment.
Garrard McClendon would not speak about his parents' deaths, but the McClendon family released a statement thanking the public for their support and prayers.
"We are saddened by the loss of our loved ones," the written statement said. "But we know there is comfort on the horizon. We accept your sympathy and we thank you for your love and kindness."
On his nightly show, Garrard McClendon hosts politicians, civic leaders and residents to discuss hot-button topics. He's also an author who maintains a blog on local current events.
Friends of the couple struggled to understand the crime.
"They were Hammond," said James Jackson, who said he grew up playing baseball with the McClendons' sons. "They were a real big piece of this neighborhood -- they helped bring up all the kids on the block. I don't understand why someone would mess with the McClendons."
Theresa Hawkins, who worked with Milton McClendon about two decades ago at Hammond's Post Office, said he and his wife were "Hammond royalty."
"They knew everyone," Hawkins said, "Milton told me things about my own family, my aunts and uncles, that I didn't even know."
Anyone with information is asked to call Hammond police at (219) 852-2906.
CLTV, in a message posted on Garrard McClendon's blog, said the station's thoughts are with McClendon and his family.
WGN-TV's Marcus Leshock offers prayers for McClendon and his family on ChicagoNow.
Tribune reporter Lolly Bowean contributed to this report.
--Kim Janssen