A self-inflicted gunshot claimed an elderly Ravenswood man Monday night on the parking lot of Cope’s Market in north Ravenswood.

Robert F. Slayton, 75, died after midnight after being transported to Jackson General Hospital.

Sgt. Johnny Moore of the Ravenswood Police Department responded to the scene at around 10:46 p.m. Monday in response to reports of gunshots. He found Slayton lying on the parking lot suffering from a single gunshot from a .38 caliber revolver but still with a pulse. Moore said he began rescue breathing and CPR before first responders and EMS units arrived.

According to Moore who was joined at the scene by Patrolman George Burnem, Slayton, who was suffering from serious health problems, had an acquaintance drive him to a couple of churches in the area before they pulled onto the Cope’s Market lot.

Slayton got out of the vehicle, sat on a low wall at the southwest corner of the store and asked the acquaintance to get him a bottle of water out of a nearby vending machine. As the acquaintance went for the water, Slaton produced the .38 revolver which his friend did not know he had and shot himself.

“He passed away sometime after midnight,” Moore said. 

A complete obituary for Robert Slayton can be found on today's obituary page.