Murder-Suicide in West Milton Leaves Three Dead, Community in Shock
A quiet community is left reeling after a tragic murder-suicide claimed the lives of three individuals early Saturday morning, October 27, 2025. Authorities have identified the victims as Jacob E. Prichard, 34, his wife Jaymee M. Prichard, 33, and his coworker Jaime S. Gustitus, 25.
The disturbing chain of events began just before 2 a.m. in Sugarcreek Township, when a resident called 911 after hearing a loud bang and glass breaking next door. The caller reported seeing a man outside, later identified as Jacob Prichard, who warned the witness he had a gun before leaving the scene.
Prichard then traveled to the home of Jaime Gustitus, where he fatally shot her inside her condo in the 1600 block of Honey Tree Place. Authorities attempted to contact Gustitus by phone, but received no response, prompting further investigation.
The connection between the victims was later revealed to be their shared employment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Investigators believe Prichard also killed his wife, Jaymee, though the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.
Around 4 a.m., Prichard drove to the West Milton Municipal Building and parked in the facility’s safety exchange zone, where he took his own life. His wife’s body was discovered in the trunk of his vehicle when officers arrived at 5:08 a.m.
Authorities are working to determine Prichard’s motives for the killings and why he chose the municipal building as the site for his final act.
Community members have expressed grief over the deaths, remembering Jaymee Prichard as a devoted mother and active member of the community, and Jaime Gustitus as a promising young professional with a bright future.
The couple’s children are now with other family members, trying to cope with the loss of both parents. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to this heartbreaking tragedy.
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