GLOUSTER, Ohio — Two people are dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Athens County.
Deputies received a call for a welfare check early Wednesday morning.
Upon arrival, deputies entered the residence, discovering the lifeless bodies of two individuals in an upstairs bedroom. The victims were identified as Amy Smathers, 54, and Jack Smathers, 59. The home was promptly secured as a crime scene.
Investigation revealed no signs of forced entry. Detectives, after thorough processing of the scene, determined that the married couple was in the midst of a divorce, and indications pointed to a likely domestic violence incident. The male, Jack Smathers, appeared to have succumbed to a drug overdose in an apparent suicide. The cause of Amy Smathers’ death is undetermined at this point and awaits confirmation through autopsy and toxicology reports. Her demise is being treated as a homicide, with her husband identified as the sole-suspect.
Authorities found no evidence suggesting a threat to the community or involvement of other individuals. Limited information is available to the public at this time.
While the case remains active pending the receipt of autopsy and toxicology reports, preliminary investigations strongly suggest that this tragic incident was a result of domestic violence.