Dad Shoots 5 Year Old Before Killing Himself

"ANCRAMDALE, NY - A father shot his 5-year-old son and then killed himself in an apparent murder-suicide late Tuesday night in this Columbia County hamlet, officials said.

"The bodies of 42-year-old Franklin Hankerson and his son, Khaliff, were found Wednesday morning at Hankerson's mobile home on Route 82 by the boy's grandfather, who lives next door, said Columbia County Sheriff David W. Harrison Jr.

"Autopsies are scheduled Thursday at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

"The boy was killed with a shotgun and the father took his life with a rifle, authorities said.

"The boy's biological mother, who did not live with Hankerson, had not reported any recent domestic problems, although she reportedly had argued with Hankerson over his marijuana use in front of the boy, authorities said.

"Neighbors said they heard what might have been gunshots at around 11 Tuesday night.

"An investigation is continuing."

From timesunion.com...