Fire Consumes Baby Killer

"EL CAJON, CA — A man who shot [and] killed his baby and mother-in-law before critically wounding an El Cajon police officer probably died in the fire he set at the woman's house, investigators said Monday.

"At a morning news conference, El Cajon police Lt. Mark Coit said investigators believe Keith Collier died after police surrounded the house at 1033 Prince Street.

"Police went to the house after receiving a call at 5:07 p.m. Sunday, Coit said. The caller reported seeing a man with a gun enter the home and that the house was burning.

"Officers Jerad Slocum and Tim McFarland were the first police to arrive at the burning house, Coit said. After they split up to check the exits to the house, Slocum was the shot in the neck. He was able to fire two rounds back at the gunman before collapsing, Coit said. McFarland then pulled him to safety.

"When other officers arrived, Slocum was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. Monday, he was listed in critical but stable condition.

"`The prognosis is looking good. We're hoping that he makes a quick and fast recovery,` Coit said.

"Police would not let firefighters approach the burning house because of the gunman inside. The house burned to the ground. When SWAT officers searched the smoldering ruins, they found one body near the front door and confirmed that no one was alive in the structure."

From KTXL...