MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — A tragic domestic incident in Merrillville has left one man dead and his wife critically injured after their son allegedly attacked them early Sunday morning. Jason Whitaker, 34, has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and multiple counts of domestic battery in connection with the brutal attack.
At approximately 2 a.m., police were called to a 911 dispatch in the 7400 block of Hendricks Street. The call came from a woman who reported that both she and her husband were being stabbed inside their home. When officers arrived, they found Jason Whitaker exiting the home with his hands raised and took him into custody without further incident.
Upon clearing the residence, officers discovered that 74-year-old Orell Whitaker had died from multiple stab wounds. His wife was found in critical condition, but she was stabilized at the scene and transported to Franciscan Health in Crown Point for treatment.
According to court documents, the attack stemmed from an argument between Jason Whitaker and his mother regarding him repeatedly turning off their furnace. The dispute escalated when Jason allegedly struck his mother with a cast-iron pan before stabbing her. When Orell Whitaker intervened to protect his wife, he was also stabbed and was later found deceased in the basement.
Jason Whitaker, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, is currently being held without bail. He remains in custody while authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is available for those in need of support.
The post Son Arrested for Stabbing Death of Father and Attack on Mother in Merrillville first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
