Police have identified the two people who were found dead in Columbus, Ohio, as part of an apparent murder-suicide, which has left neighbors in shock.
Columbus police said officers responded to a home of Bannon Court around 2:48 p.m. on Monday, September 14, after they received a report of a suicide attempt, according to 10 WNBS. Authorities added that a young child called 911 to report the incident.
Once authorities arrived at the home, they found two unresponsive people at the scene in different parts of the home. One person was in an upstairs bedroom, while the other was in the garage.
Police said that Columbus Division of Fire personnel pronounced both victims dead shortly after 5 p.m.
Authorities shared more information on Monday evening, revealing that the deceased had been identified as Monu Rijal and Bhim Mishra. Rijal, 33, was listed as the victim, per the outlet.
Sgt. Joseph Albert said authorities believe that Rijal and Mishra, 41, were in a “domestic relationship,” and he noted that police had never been called to the home regarding domestic incidents with the couple in the past.
Authorities said they are not looking for any additional suspects and there is no ongoing threat to the community following the killings.
The murder-suicide has left the neighborhood stunned, with neighbor Kayla Dooley telling the outlet that she “heard sirens” around 4:50 p.m. “So I looked outside of my window and just saw cop cars flying, jumping out their car, and rushing into the house,” she said. “Just a really, really sad scene.”
“Everybody’s just in shock,” Dooley continued. “We live in a pretty quiet neighborhood. Nothing really happens over here, so it’s pretty devastating.”
Dooley’s husband, Terrence Dooley, reiterated his wife’s comments while speaking to the outlet.
“It’s not normal. It’s pretty quiet,” he said. “We don’t even trick-or-treat on this street. It’s just that quiet… so it’s unfortunate that this happened.”
An investigation into the incident remains ongoing. It’s not currently clear if police know the motive in the murder-suicide.
Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the case call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
