Killler Dads and Custody Lists

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Dad awaiting trial for murder of 10-year-old son (Hammond, Indiana)

Dad is identified as JASON DEGROOT. According to previous articles, this was a single father.

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/father-still-awaiting-trial-for-son-s-death/article_61d3836c-be3d-5263-adf0-d97df192a3a9.html

Father still awaiting trial for son's death

February 21, 2014 12:24 pm • By Bill Dolan

CROWN POINT | The case of a Hammond man accused of murdering his 10-year-old is no closer to resolution.

Jason DeGroot, 34, appeared Friday morning in Lake Criminal Courtroom 3 wearing a gray striped Lake County Jail uniform and chains for the 29th pre-trial hearing in the case since it was filed November 2011. He left without a trial date.

William Padula, the attorney representing DeGroot asked for more time to prepare for either trial or a non-trial disposition. A substitute judge reset the matter for April 2.

DeGroot is pleading innocent to allegations he fatally shot his son and then turned the gun on himself Nov. 15, 2011, in their home in the 4000 block of Torrence Avenue.

DeGroot, who has undergone extensive psychiatric evaluations, is pursuing an insanity defense.