World · North America · 1 hr ago
Toddler and grandparents found shot dead in Ohio home
A toddler and his two grandparents were found shot dead in a home in Gnadenhutten, a village in Ohio.
The victims were 22-month-old Kozzar J. Lotut, Melissa E. Campbell, 51, and Gale F. Sanders, 67.
A disconnected 911 call led deputies to the home after a dispatcher heard what sounded like someone softly saying “help” when operators called the number back.
The sheriff's office said Campbell and Sanders were the toddler's grandparents and often helped care for him because he had medical disabilities.
Investigators believe the deaths may have been a murder-suicide, and a firearm was found beside one of the bodies.
Officials have not identified a suspected shooter or established what happened, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
A toddler and his two grandparents were found shot dead inside a home in Gnadenhutten, Ohio.
The victims were identified as 22-month-old Kozzar J. Lotut, Melissa E. Campbell, 51, and Gale F. Sanders, 67.
Deputies were led to the home after an emergency call shortly after 4am disconnected and a dispatcher heard a faint plea for help on a callback.
Authorities said the deaths may have been a murder-suicide, but have not identified a suspected shooter or established what happened.
The shootings’ timing and what prompted them remain unclear.
- Who
- The victims were toddler Kozzar J. Lotut and his grandparents, Melissa E. Campbell and Gale F. Sanders.
- What
- All three were found dead with gunshot wounds. Authorities said the deaths may have been a murder-suicide.
- When
- Wednesday, after an emergency call shortly after 4am.
- Where
- A home in Gnadenhutten, Ohio.
- Why
- Not stated.
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Dispatchers received a 911 call that disconnected almost immediately.
A dispatcher heard what appeared to be a faint plea for help when operators called the number back.
Deputies went to a home in Gnadenhutten and found the bodies of two adults and a young child.
- Victims
- Melissa E. Campbell, 51; Gale F. Sanders, 67; Kozzar J. Lotut, 22 months
- Location
- Gnadenhutten, Ohio
- Emergency call
- Shortly after 4am on Wednesday
- Cause of death
- Gunshot wounds
- Investigation
- Possible murder-suicide; no suspected shooter identified
What people are saying
voice softly saying the word "help