Police search for clues in death of TV host’s parents

By Chicago Crusader staff reporters

An outpouring of prayers and support dotted a message board on CLTV’s website for host Garrard McClendon whose parents where found shot to death Monday in a forest preserve in Calumet City.

Hammond Police were investigating the murder of Milton McClendon, 78, and his wife, Ruby, 76, both of Hammond, Indiana. The couple’s bodies were discovered about 12:30 p.m. Monday in a south suburban forest preserve off Campbell Road between Pulaski and Michigan City Roads, according to news reports. An autopsy showed that Milton McClendon died from a gunshot wound to the head while his wife sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Hammond Police were searching the couple’s Indiana home for clues to determine what happened to the couple, whom, neighbors described as pillars in their community. In an interview with CLTV, Hammond Police Lt. Richard Hoyda said the home is being treated as a crime scene. Police removed evidence from the home, but would not elaborate.

“We cannot say at this time that events started in Hammond. [It is] possible that the McClendons were travelling in Illinois,” Hoyda said. “Something happened at the home from our investigation.”

The couple’s green 1997 Cadillac El Dorado was found early Wednesday morning on the Dan Ryan Expressway. Police sought the public’s help in locating the couple’s missing car with Indiana license plate, according to news reports.

The Illinois State Police were notified that the vehicle was spotted in the northbound express lanes on the Dan Ryan just north of the 55th Street exit at approximately 1:50 a.m.

According to Master Sergeant Isaiah Vega a call came in saying that the vehicle matching the description was located on the side of the road. A trooper responded to the scene and secured the vehicle.

“It was determined that that vehicle may have been involved with the McClendon case and the Hammond Police Department was contacted,” Vega said.

While Vega was vague on the circumstances leading to the car’s discovery, news reports allege a woman called police after spotting the car. The woman said she saw two males getting out of the vehicle, one carrying a backpack and the other wearing a red hoody, this is according to news accounts.

Author and professor Garrard McClendon is the host of Garrard McClendon Live! On CLTV. Prior to coming to CLTV, McClendon co-hosted the McClendon Report on WVON 1690 AM and WJOB radio in Hammond, Indiana. He is a frequent commentator on WTTW-Channel 11. He also writes a bi-monthly editorial for The Northwest Times and is completing his Ph.D. at Loyola University.

“Our thoughts are with Garrard and his family at this difficult time,” said CLTV General Manager’s Steve Farber.

In a statement to the Chicago Crusader, the McClendon Family thanked the many supporters during the family’s difficult time.

“We are saddened by the loss of our loved ones, but we know there is comfort on the horizon. We accept your sympathy and we thank you for your love and kindness,” the statement said.
Story posted: 10/24/2009

» Top Stories Archive
» Subscribe to The Gary Crusader