A man whose father said he lacked the courage to kill himself and instead wanted police to do it for him committed suicide in a battle with police Monday in rural Warren, according to a coroner.
Barton Thompson died around 5:45 a.m. Monday in front of his father's home on County Road 1000 S, between County Roads 700 W and 800 W. Police had been searching for him since midday Sunday when he apparently set his father's home and three barns on fire, which he had threatened, his father said. He escaped the fire and made his way to his father's home early Monday and shot at police, according to officials.
Huntington County Coroner Leon Hurlburt ruled Tuesday that Barton Thompson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was hit by multiple other shots from police. Hurlburt is awaiting toxicology results.
Barton Thompson's father, Byron, said Monday that his son wanted him to kill him, but he wouldn't do it. He also said his son was a methamphetamine abuser.
