An unimaginable nightmare came true for one Ohio family when an elderly couple was found dead at their home following an apparent murder-suicide, according to authorities.
The Miami Township Police Department identified Annie Franklin and William Franklin as the deceased, per Dayton Daily News. It’s believed that William, 87, killed Annie, 85, before he took his own life.
Authorities responded to the residence after they received reports of a shooting around 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, August 23. Upon their arrival, police found William and Annie lying in the backyard with head wounds. Additionally, authorities reported that a firearm was found at the scene.
Annie was already dead by the time authorities arrived. William was transported to Kettering Health Main Campus for treatment, where he later died from his injuries.
An investigation was launched into the deaths, and detectives interviewed family members who arrived at the home following the shootings.
“They were told Mr. Franklin called his daughter to tell her he was picking his wife up from a nursing home at which she resided,” police said, according to the outlet. “He told his daughter that he killed her mother and was going to kill himself. The daughter immediately dialed 911 for assistance.”
Police said that the daughter told the 911 dispatcher that her father was in the backyard and planned to die by suicide after he killed his wife. She also reportedly said that her father owned guns that were stored at the house, noting that he had never made any threats in the past.
“This is a tragic situation for this family. Our officers used the upmost care and concern while investigating this incident,” Miami Township Police Chief Adam Nielsen said following the incident. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and neighbors of the Franklins.”
Police are working to determine why William may have killed Annie, as well as circumstances that led up to the killings.
Additional details about the couple have not been shared, including how long they were married, how many children they shared or when Annie first started living in a nursing home.
The Miami Township Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
