UPDATE 08.08.13
All family has been notified according to authorities, who have released the suicide victim’s name this morning: Dennis Charles Morgan, 64.
Here’s the original post from yesterday, 08.07.13:
JASPER CO.—A shooting death yesterday in Newton is under investigation by local authorities.
Official reports indicate that shortly after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2013, Jasper County 911 received a 911 call with a report of a man in the back yard of a residence at 29 Hillcrest Drive, Newton, Illinois with possibly a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The wife of the subject had found the man, then ran to the neighbor’s house and phoned 911.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputies and Newton Police Department officers were dispatched, as well as Jasper County Ambulance Service. Upon arrival of the ambulance, Jasper County Coroner’s Office was dispatched.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Jason Meyer and Deputy Coroner Lisa Meyer.
The investigation continues by the Illinois State Police Investigations Zone 7, Newton Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jasper County Coroner’s Office.
We have the man’s name but are withholding it pending notification of family.