The man and woman found shot to death in a South Suburban forest preserve Monday afternoon are the parents of Chicago television host and commentator Garrard McClendon.
The bodies of Milton and Ruby McClendon, of Hammond, Ind., were found by a woman walking in the Wentworth Woods Forest Preserve, near Calumet City. Neither victim had identification with them, said Cook County Forest Preserve Police spokesman Steve Mayberry.
Milton McClendon, 78, was dressed in a multicolored dress shirt with buttons, dark pants and suspenders, Mayberry said. Ruby McClendon, 76, was found dressed in a white shirt and dark pants with no shoes.
McClendon hosts a nightly 30-minute show on the Tribune Company's CLTV which features commentary from newsmakers and viewers. He's also a professor, author and diversity trainer, according to a profile on his Web site, and maintains a column on the ChicagoNow.com Web site.
CLTV producer Gerry Riles said McClendon was at his parents' home late Tuesday evening with police investigators. Tuesday's episode of Garrard McClendon Live was canceled.
"Our thoughts are with Garrard and his family at this difficult time," said CLTV General Manager Steve Farber in a written statement.
Similar condolences were being posted at a rapid pace to McClendon's Facebook profile.
The Cook County Forest Preserve police have turned the case over to Hammond police.
