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Barricaded Man Holding His Son, Mother Hostage Found Dead [UPDATED]
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A man who had been barricaded in an apartment building while holding his 15-year-old son and his 86-year-old mother hostage was found this morning dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.Authorities say the incident began on Tuesday afternoon when the 48-year-old unidentified suspect became involved in a dispute with his estranged wife, who was not at the apartment at the time, according to City News Service. The troubled couple, their son, and the suspect's mother all lived in the residence on the 2900 block of Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica.
The suspect held the elderly woman and his teen son hostage in the apartment; the son got out at around 5 p.m. and called police. Santa Monica and Beverly Hills police SWAT teams surrounded the house.
Late Tuesday night, the suspect's mother was set free, and came out of the house. She was interviewed by police and examined by paramedics.
Sgt. Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica Police Department said they were in communication with the suspect most of the night.
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In an attempt to force the man out, the SMPD's SWAT officers threw gas canisters in the residence, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. They were able to enter the house at around 4 a.m.
The suspect was found dead in the bedroom after having shot himself in the head.
Few details about the suspect have been made available, however Sgt. Lewis confirmed the man had a criminal history.
UPDATE 2:15 PM: The deceased suspect has been identified by the coroner as 48-year-old John Carroll Lowery.
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