Ohio Sheriff Investigates Apparent Murder-Suicide in Deaths of Toddler and Grandparents
A cryptic 911 call led authorities to a Gnadenhutten home where three were found deceased.
Authorities in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, are investigating the deaths of a 22-month-old toddler and his two grandparents, who were discovered deceased with apparent gunshot wounds inside a residence on Wednesday. The Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call that featured a faint voice saying "help."
Deputies arrived at the Cherry Street home and found Kozzar Lotut, Melissa Campbell, 51, and Gale Sanders, 67, dead, according to the sheriff's office. The victims' identities were confirmed by the Tuscarawas Coroner's Office.
Sheriff Orvis L. Campbell stated that the evidence is "leaning one way," indicating a likely murder-suicide within the home. The toddler's grandparents were reportedly caring for the child, who had medical disabilities.
Investigators faced challenges tracing the initial 911 call, which involved a hang-up followed by a callback where the word "help" was spoken softly. Through investigative efforts, deputies were able to trace the call to the residence.
The bodies were transported to the Tuscarawas County Coroner's Office for autopsies. The manner and cause of death are pending, and further information will be released as it becomes available. The sheriff's office and American Medical Administrators, which operates the New Philadelphia Health Care Center where Campbell reportedly worked as a registered nurse, have been contacted for comment.