An Ohio couple was discovered dead following a murder-suicide.
The Butler County Coroner’s Office identified two people who were discovered dead earlier in the week at their home on the 4400 block of Hidden Oaks Lane in Liberty Township, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer, WXIX, and WCPO.
Coroner records obtained by the outlets revealed that Frederick Buckley, 70, died by suicide and Claire Buckley, 72, died by homicide, both from gunshot wounds.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers discovered a dead dog in the living room.
One of the deceased’s son-in-law summoned officials to the area, stating that he had not heard from him in several days and requesting a welfare check. The son-in-law was outside the home when deputies arrived and discovered their car in the garage, according to The Enquirer.
A deputy later discovered Frederick on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head and Claire on the couch with a gunshot wound, according to reports.
“It makes zero sense. It makes zero sense,” one neighbor said of the incident. “Very nice people, very kind people. Always friendly, always something nice to say. Just shocked.”
“Just this past week, when they were home, I heard them in the backyard playing with Luna and throwing the ball and the frisbee for her,” she added. “And they laugh out loud watching her. I mean, they get total joy out of that dog.”
“She was talking about the painters in their new house, and that she was starting to feel comfortable there and getting it set up and making it her own,” the neighbor told WCPO, recalling a conversation with Claire earlier in the week. “And she seemed very happy.”
“This is completely out of character,” the neighbor added. “They’re very kind people with a very nice family, and I just can’t believe it. Like, ‘This is not true. Is there some other explanation? Why?'”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in over 170 languages.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, emotional distress, substance abuse, or simply needs to talk, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
