Authorities have released the identities of three people, including a 22-month-old boy, found dead inside a Tuscarawas County home Wednesday morning in what investigators believe may have been a double murder-suicide.
The Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased Thursday as Melissa E. Campbell, 51; Gale F. Sanders, 67; and Kozzar J. Lotut, 22 months.
All three were discovered Wednesday, Oct. 21, inside a residence at 223 N. Cherry St. in Gnadenhutten after deputies investigated a mysterious 911 hang-up call.
According to the coroner’s office, all three bodies were transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies.
The official causes and manners of death remain pending.
In an interview with Jordan Miller News on Wednesday, Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell said evidence collected at the scene suggests one of the deceased individuals was responsible for the shootings.
“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 said.
The sheriff declined to identify the suspected shooter, emphasizing that additional forensic testing is needed before investigators can make a definitive determination.
Mysterious 911 call led 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 the call originated from an older flip phone that lacked modern location-data technology, making it difficult for dispatchers to determine where the call was coming from.
During repeated attempts to call the number back, dispatchers heard what sounded like a faint voice asking for help.
Investigators worked with the phone company and traced the device through its ownership history, eventually learning it had been loaned to an associate.
After checking several possible addresses, deputies were led to the Cherry Street residence.
A family member who had been sleeping in the garage unlocked the home for deputies. Inside, authorities discovered all three individuals deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Campbell said several relatives had been helping care for the 22-month-old boy, who had medical disabilities.
Sheriff says family had no warning
Campbell told JMN that investigators have learned family members 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, interviews with relatives have raised concerns about possible mental health issues within the family that may have gone unaddressed.
The sheriff stressed that investigators have not established a motive and are continuing to examine all possible circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He also emphasized the importance of verifying information before publicly identifying who investigators believe was responsible.
“We dread more than anything the potential of ever giving out an incorrect piece of information,” Campbell said.
Investigation continues as community mourns
Campbell described Gnadenhutten as a close-knit community that will be deeply affected by the tragedy.
He also spoke about the emotional toll the investigation has taken on first responders, particularly those who are parents themselves.
“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,” Campbell said.
The sheriff praised the compassion shown by the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office while handling the child’s remains.
“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.”
Detectives continue to process evidence and conduct interviews as they work to establish exactly what happened inside the residence.
Authorities have indicated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office said additional information will be released as it becomes available and appropriate.
