WACO (December 16, 2011)—The family and friends of Baylor University sophomore Dustin Chamberlain, 19, were in shock Friday after Chamberlain was shot to death at his parent’s home in Siloam Springs, Ark., evidently by a man who then killed himself.
Chamberlain’s father found his son dead Thursday after returning home to check on the teenager whom his wife had been unable to reach by phone.
Michael Meeks, 49, who reportedly lived nearby, was found wounded and sitting in a chair in the living room of the home with a pistol in his hand.
He was taken to Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital where he died a short time later.
Authorities weren’t confirming Friday that Meeks killed Chamberlain, but did say officers were advised to be on the lookout for the man after he made comments about suicide and then left his home with a .22 caliber rifle.
It’s not clear whether Meeks knew the teenager, but investigators found no sign of forced entry.
Baylor Chaplain Dr. Burt Burleson, who spoke with Chamberlain’s family by phone after learning of the death, said the family is in shock and trying to come to grips with what happened.
He said Chamberlain’s parents told him they’re relying on their faith to help them deal with the loss.
Chamberlain’s younger sister, who’s in high school, said she’s comforted by the knowledge her brother is in heaven.
Funeral plans were pending Friday and will depend on the investigation, Burleson said, but the family hopes to schedule a service early next week.
Chamberlain was a biology/pre-health care major.
He graduated last year from Siloam Springs High School and planned to graduate from Baylor in 2014.
He belonged to the American Medical Student Association, the Medical Service Organization and the basketball spirit organization The Bear Pit, the university said Friday.
Baylor issued a statement Thursday night, saying, "Baylor University tonight is mourning the tragic loss of Dustin Chamberlain, a sophomore biology/pre-health care major from Siloam Springs, Ark.
"Law enforcement authorities report that Dustin was killed today during an apparent random home invasion at his permanent residence in Arkansas.
"Please keep the Chamberlain family in your deepest thoughts and prayers during this tragic and extremely difficult time.”
