A quiet Ohio community is grappling with shock and grief following a devastating murder-suicide early Saturday morning that left three people dead. Authorities report that 34-year-old Jacob E. Prichard fatally shot his wife, 33-year-old Jaymee M. Prichard, and another woman, 25-year-old Jaime S. Gustitus, before taking his own life outside the West Milton Municipal Building.
According to the West Milton Police Department, the tragic events began around 2 a.m. on October 25, 2025, when Prichard reportedly went to Gustitus’ apartment on the 1600 block of Honey Tree Place in Sugarcreek Township. Investigators believe he forcibly entered her residence and shot her multiple times. Authorities confirmed that Prichard and Gustitus were coworkers, though a motive has not yet been determined.
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Following the first attack, Prichard returned home and killed his wife, Jaymee. Police say he then placed her body in the trunk of his car and drove roughly 30 miles to West Milton. Around 4:22 a.m., surveillance footage captured Prichard pulling into the municipal building parking lot, where he later shot himself.
A routine patrol by a West Milton police officer at 5:08 a.m. revealed the grim scene: Jacob Prichard dead beside his car, with Jaymee’s body inside the trunk. A handgun was recovered, and the Miami County Coroner’s Office confirmed that both Jaymee and Jacob died from gunshot wounds. Autopsies are ongoing to establish the precise timeline of the killings.
The tragedy has left residents of both Sugarcreek Township and West Milton in shock. Friends and neighbors described Gustitus as a kind and hardworking young woman, while Jaymee was remembered as loving, friendly, and full of life. Many community members have gathered at the scenes, leaving flowers and candles to honor the victims.
Authorities from multiple agencies, including the Sugarcreek Township Police Department and Miami County investigators, continue to examine the circumstances that led to the violent events. West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright said, “Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this senseless tragedy. This is something no community should ever have to endure.”