Investigators believe the deaths of three people, including a 22-month-old boy, inside a Tuscarawas County home Wednesday morning may have been the result of a double murder-suicide, according to Sheriff Orvis Campbell, who says evidence increasingly points to one of the deceased individuals as the shooter.
In an interview with Jordan Miller News on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Campbell provided new details about the investigation, including the unusual circumstances surrounding the initial 911 call, the discovery of the victims and information investigators have learned from family members.
The victims, identified so far only as a 67-year-old man, a 51-year-old woman and a 22-month-old boy, were discovered inside a residence at 223 N. Cherry St. in Gnadenhutten.
All three appeared to have suffered fatal gunshot wounds. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
While investigators have not officially classified the deaths as a murder-suicide, Campbell said evidence collected inside the home and information obtained from relatives point toward one person inside the residence being responsible.
“Most of the evidence is pointing towards one of the one specific person inside being the shooter because of the position of the gun and other information we’ve learned from family members,” Campbell told JMN.
The sheriff declined to identify which of the deceased individuals investigators believe fired the shots, saying additional forensic testing is necessary before making that determination public.
“We dread more than anything the potential of ever giving out an incorrect piece of information,” Campbell said.
He emphasized that investigators are working to eliminate other possibilities and ensure the family receives accurate answers about what happened.
Mysterious 911 call leads deputies to home
The investigation began at approximately 4:17 a.m. Wednesday when the Tuscarawas County 911 Dispatch Center received a call that disconnected almost immediately.
Campbell said dispatchers were unable to determine the caller’s location because the call originated from an older flip phone that lacked modern location-data technology.
The immediate disconnection also prevented dispatchers from gathering enough information to identify an address.
“The only thing we got was the phone number,” Campbell said.
Dispatchers repeatedly attempted to call the number back. During one of those attempts, they heard what sounded like a faint, muffled voice asking for help.
The caller did not provide an address.
Authorities began working with the phone company to trace the number while also investigating the phone’s ownership history.
Campbell said the phone had belonged to the same person for several years but had been loaned to a business associate.
After contacting the owner, investigators visited multiple addresses before learning the person using the phone might be staying with an estranged partner at a residence on Cherry Street in Gnadenhutten.
When deputies arrived, they discovered another family member sleeping in the garage, which had been equipped with a bed.
Campbell explained that several family members had been helping care for the 22-month-old boy, who had medical disabilities.
The family member staying in the garage had not heard anything alarming and was unaware of what had happened inside the home.
That person unlocked the residence for deputies.
Once inside, authorities discovered all three victims deceased.
Sheriff: Family had no indication violence would occur
Campbell said investigators have learned that family members and others had seen the individuals outside with the child Tuesday evening, and nothing appeared unusual.
“We don’t have any indication that violence was planned,” Campbell said.
However, preliminary interviews with relatives have raised concerns about possible mental health issues involving someone in the family.
Campbell said investigators are examining whether those concerns had gone unaddressed over time.
“We do have some indication that there was some mental health concerns in the family, and that maybe went unaddressed,” he said.
The sheriff stressed that investigators have not established a motive and are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said information gathered from family members suggests concerns may have developed over several years, despite no previous indications that the person would become violent.
Campbell encouraged families to seek professional help when they notice concerning changes in a loved one’s mental health, even when there are no signs of potential violence.
“There’s no shame in that,” Campbell said. “We all have problems in life.”
The sheriff’s comments reflect preliminary information gathered during the investigation. Authorities have not established that a mental health condition caused or contributed to the deaths.
Investigators withholding details pending testing
Campbell acknowledged that speculation about the deaths began circulating on social media before authorities released their initial findings.
He said the sheriff’s office is deliberately withholding certain information, including the suspected shooter’s identity, until investigators can verify the evidence.
The position of the recovered firearm is currently a significant factor in the department’s preliminary assessment.
However, Campbell said detectives are continuing to process evidence and conduct interviews to determine whether anything could alter that conclusion.
He said investigators believe they have largely ruled out the possibility that another person was inside the residence during the shootings, but they are not closing off any investigative avenues.
“We think the family is owed all these answers,” Campbell said.
Tuscarawas County Coroner Dr. Jeff Cameron has ordered autopsies to determine the official causes and manners of death.
Tragedy takes emotional toll on first responders
Beyond the investigation, Campbell spoke candidly about the emotional impact of responding to a scene involving the violent death of a young child.
Asked how deputies and investigators manage such difficult situations, particularly as parents themselves, Campbell offered an emotional response.
“You cry at night when you’re home alone. You do your job when you do your job. You cry when you have time to cry,” he said.
Campbell praised the care and compassion demonstrated by personnel from the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office while removing the child’s remains from the home.
He said the respect shown toward the boy was especially moving.
“I was really proud to watch the coroner’s office and how they handled the child, especially the care,” Campbell said. “I mean, it was just love.”
He said investigators and other responders understand the gravity of the tragedy but must remain focused on gathering evidence and completing their responsibilities.
Small community left facing devastating loss
Campbell described Gnadenhutten as a close-knit village with deep community pride and said he expects the deaths to have a profound impact on residents.
“It’s a town with a lot of history and a lot of pride,” Campbell said. “This town just bursts with pride in their schools and their community, and it’s a wonderful little town.”
He said the deaths, particularly that of the toddler, represent an unimaginable tragedy for the family and community.
Detectives continue to work in teams to process evidence, conduct interviews and establish a clearer timeline of the shootings.
Authorities have indicated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released, and officials have not announced when autopsy findings or additional investigative details may become available.
Jordan Miller News will continue following the investigation as additional information is confirmed.
