Ohio- Family of five dead in apparent murder suicide

[IceIce9]

Five members of an Ohio family — including three children — were found dead inside their home Thursday evening in an apparent quadruple homicide-suicide which police describe as a “domestic dispute that turned deadly.”

Uniontown Police arrived at the Stark County home to perform a welfare check after the woman’s co-worker hadn’t heard from her in two days while the children missed two days of school, local outlet WKYC reported.

5 Ohio family members found dead in apparent murder-suicide

Police identified the five victims as couple Jason Dunham, 46 and Melissa Dunham, 42, along with their three children, Renee Dunham, 15, Amber Dunham, 12, and Evan Dunham, 9, all of whom “suc…

nypost.com

 

[IceIce9]

Victims identified:

Harry Campbell, chief investigator of the Stark County Coroner's Office, identified the deceased as Jason Dunham, 46, Melissa Dunham, 42, and their children Renee, 15, Amber, 12, and Evan, 9.

All died from multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at 9:52 p.m, Campbell said.

Family of 5, including 3 kids, found dead in Ohio home with gunshot wounds: What to know

Five members of a family were found dead at a Lake Township home Thursday evening. The incident is being investigated murder-suicide

www.beaconjournal.com

Neighbors share memories of family

The next-door neighbors remembered the couple and three children who lived there fondly on Friday morning.

Edmond Gazdacko said the couple moved in 18 years ago before they had children. He and his wife Denise always enjoyed the neighbors and never had any issues with them.

He said the three children — the youngest was 9 years old — were in the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. He said they played with his own grandchildren when they visited. Children from both families gathered for a baseball game in the Gazdackos' front yard when their grandchildren visited from Oklahoma earlier this summer.

 

[I wonder]

Very little makes me as angry as murder suicides. If you’ve had enough, fine, off you go, but you do NOT take your family with you.

 

[Rosydecember]

All died from multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at 9:52 p.m, Campbell said.

Hmm…. All died from multiple gunshot wounds…. Even the “suicide”?

 

[arielilane]

My deepest condolences to the loved ones of the family. Here's a similar article as posted by @IceIce9 (beaconjournal) above post. I'm going to guess JD - family annihilator. moo

5 dead, including 3 kids, in Lake Township shooting; police suspect murder-suicide

Victims identified as Jason Dunham, 46, Melissa Dunham, 42, and their children Renee, 15, Amber, 12, and Evan, 9.

www.cantonrep.com

Updated 8/25/2023

She said Jason Dunham helped the Gazdackos put up their basketball hoop. She also said he was a nice man but controlling.


Thought this an interesting article for those who may be interested.

Inside the Mind of Family Annihilators

Experts explain what leads these killers to do the unimaginable.

www.parents.com

 

[arielilane]

Remembering the Dunham family: Hundreds gather for memorial ceremony in Hartville

Hundreds of people, many of them children, gathered Saturday evening at a vigil to remember the Dunhams, who died in suspected homicide-suicide.

www.cantonrep.com

Updated 8/27/2023

"The next day, I got an email from someone named Melissa Dunham, who said, 'Our troop is full, but there's always room for one more,'" she said. "'Anything you need, when you have to go to work, if your daughter needs ... to be picked up, or taken to, we'll be happy to help.'

"The last seven years, Melissa has become a friend of mine, not just a neighbor, a part-time mom to my kids when I was at work and couldn't be to all these events, she found a way to squeeze them in her car and get them everywhere they needed to be."

 

[housewife]

I found a database that has started tracking family annihilators.

IndyStar's examination of thousands of homicides, including the 227 cases of family annihilation since 2020, reveals men are almost always the perpetrators. It also found:

• Primary risk factors include prior domestic violence, substance abuse, and access to guns.
• The killer was a male in 94% of the cases.
• A gun was used in about 86% of cases. Other methods include stabbing, strangulation, blunt force trauma, asphyxiation and arson.
• More than three-quarters of the cases occurred in the South and the Midwest. Texas had the most — 33 — followed by Florida, Arizona and Ohio. Only 10 states and the District of Columbia had none.

“It’s a very narcissistic orientation,” said David Adams, a Boston psychologist and the author of "Why Do They Kill?: Men Who Murder Their Intimate Partners."
“You’re basically saying, ‘I don’t want to live my life, and I don’t want anyone else to live either.’”

IMHO this is why domestic abusers should not be able to own firearms in the States.

 

[housewife]

Sundays in August
This is from 2013, grouping Family Annihilators by type:

"Self-righteous: The killer seeks to locate blame for his crimes upon the mother who he holds responsible for the breakdown of the family. This may involve the killer phoning his partner before the murder to explain what he is about to do. For these men, their breadwinner status is central to their idea of the ideal family.

Disappointed: This killer believes his family has let him down or has acted in ways to undermine or destroy his vision of ideal family life. An example may be disappointment that children are not following the traditional religious or cultural customs of the father.

Anomic: In these cases the family has become firmly linked in the mind of the killer to the economy. The father sees family as the result of his economic success, allowing him to display his achievements. However, if the father becomes an economic failure, he sees the family as no longer serving this function.

Paranoid: Those who perceive an external threat to the family. This is often social services or the legal system, which the father fears will side against him and take away the children. Here the murder is motivated by a twisted desire to protect the family."

 

[housewife]

Thought this an interesting article for those who may be interested.

Inside the Mind of Family Annihilators

Experts explain what leads these killers to do the unimaginable.

www.parents.com

RSBM

What a great article. A piece I found interesting:

"A history of domestic violence was common. Dr. Campbell's 12-city study of such cases found that 'intimate-partner violence' had occurred in 70% of them, despite the fact, that only 25% of prior domestic violence appeared in arrest records. That evidence often emerged later on through interviews with the victim's family and friends. "

More proof that domestic violence is under-reported.

 

[arielilane]

I found a database that has started tracking family annihilators.

IndyStar's examination of thousands of homicides, including the 227 cases of family annihilation since 2020, reveals men are almost always the perpetrators. It also found:

• Primary risk factors include prior domestic violence, substance abuse, and access to guns.
• The killer was a male in 94% of the cases.
• A gun was used in about 86% of cases. Other methods include stabbing, strangulation, blunt force trauma, asphyxiation and arson.
• More than three-quarters of the cases occurred in the South and the Midwest. Texas had the most — 33 — followed by Florida, Arizona and Ohio. Only 10 states and the District of Columbia had none.

“It’s a very narcissistic orientation,” said David Adams, a Boston psychologist and the author of "Why Do They Kill?: Men Who Murder Their Intimate Partners."
“You’re basically saying, ‘I don’t want to live my life, and I don’t want anyone else to live either.’”

IMHO this is why domestic abusers should not be able to own firearms in the States.

Thank you for posting - all good info, imo. Agree that domestic violence is under reported and I believe it was in this case. I recently listened to a podcast about family (LA Not So Confidential) annihilators and it mentioned many of the men will kill their family on Sundays in August.

I've also thought about Diane Schuler. No updates on this case yet. Please post if you notice an update. Nowadays you never know who the abuser is... ... jobs... family pressure and every day life stressors and no reporting of abuse - makes you wonder... moo


From the article:

"Uniontown police had no reports or records of previously responding to the Dunhams' address, according to a dispatcher."

Family of 5, including 3 kids, found dead in Ohio home with gunshot wounds: What to know

Five members of a family were found dead at a Lake Township home Thursday evening. The incident is being investigated murder-suicide

www.beaconjournal.com

 

[arielilane]

I found a database that has started tracking family annihilators.

IndyStar's examination of thousands of homicides, including the 227 cases of family annihilation since 2020, reveals men are almost always the perpetrators. It also found:

• Primary risk factors include prior domestic violence, substance abuse, and access to guns.
• The killer was a male in 94% of the cases.
• A gun was used in about 86% of cases. Other methods include stabbing, strangulation, blunt force trauma, asphyxiation and arson.
• More than three-quarters of the cases occurred in the South and the Midwest. Texas had the most — 33 — followed by Florida, Arizona and Ohio. Only 10 states and the District of Columbia had none.

“It’s a very narcissistic orientation,” said David Adams, a Boston psychologist and the author of "Why Do They Kill?: Men Who Murder Their Intimate Partners."
“You’re basically saying, ‘I don’t want to live my life, and I don’t want anyone else to live either.’”

IMHO this is why domestic abusers should not be able to own firearms in the States.

I am surprised Robert Fisher not in database. May have missed it. moo

 

[JoeFromLB]

Obituary for Melissa and her children. No mention of the father. That says it all.
Memorial service this Thursday will be livestreamed.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/melissa-renee-amber-and-evan-dunham-obituary?id=52965858

 

[Betty P]

I found a database that has started tracking family annihilators.

IndyStar's examination of thousands of homicides, including the 227 cases of family annihilation since 2020, reveals men are almost always the perpetrators. It also found:

• Primary risk factors include prior domestic violence, substance abuse, and access to guns.
• The killer was a male in 94% of the cases.
• A gun was used in about 86% of cases. Other methods include stabbing, strangulation, blunt force trauma, asphyxiation and arson.
• More than three-quarters of the cases occurred in the South and the Midwest. Texas had the most — 33 — followed by Florida, Arizona and Ohio. Only 10 states and the District of Columbia had none.

“It’s a very narcissistic orientation,” said David Adams, a Boston psychologist and the author of "Why Do They Kill?: Men Who Murder Their Intimate Partners."
“You’re basically saying, ‘I don’t want to live my life, and I don’t want anyone else to live either.’”

IMHO this is why domestic abusers should not be able to own firearms in the States.

BBM

In the second article linked above, it was noted that the mom and dad both had weapons and concealed carry permits.

Family of 5, including 3 kids, found dead in Ohio home with gunshot wounds: What to know

Five members of a family were found dead at a Lake Township home Thursday evening. The incident is being investigated murder-suicide

www.beaconjournal.com

Mom seemed a high achiever, successful career, SuperMom. Others say the dad was "controlling". Not a good mix. Both were probably very busy, working long hours at the office and with family.

Perhaps Mom was tired of the controlling behavior and was considering a divorce. That kind of event can set off a controlling, possibly abusive husband.

Such a selfish thing to do. So sad, RIP.

 

[Gemmie]

I wish I could read what his favorite t-shirt says. I feel like it might have some insight into his head. He's seen wearing it in various photos, and they aren't even from the same day as his wife's hair is long in one pic, and short in another.

All I can make out is "I find your lack of" ________________ disturbing. (Seare___.? Scare___?)

Three young kids among five members of same family found dead in home

A FAMILY of five, including three young kids, have been found dead in an apparent murder-suicide as heartbroken neighbors break their silence on the tragedy. Police discovered the bodies after resp…

www.the-sun.com

 

[realanastasia]

I wish I could read what his favorite t-shirt says. I feel like it might have some insight into his head. He's seen wearing it in various photos, and they aren't even from the same day as his wife's hair is long in one pic, and short in another.

All I can make out is "I find your lack of" ________________ disturbing. (Seare___.? Scare___?)

Three young kids among five members of same family found dead in home

A FAMILY of five, including three young kids, have been found dead in an apparent murder-suicide as heartbroken neighbors break their silence on the tragedy. Police discovered the bodies after resp…

www.the-sun.com

It shows Darth Vader on the left side and the words are quoting that character saying “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Darth Vader's "I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing" | Know Your Meme

"I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing" is a memorable quote uttered by the character Darth Vader from the 1977 sci-fi film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Ho

knowyourmeme.com

Super apropos shirt for a sadistic narcissist like JD to wear.

ETA: wait, no. All the others are wearing Harry Potter shirts, so his is probably a play on that quote. And maybe it’s not Darth Vader but the villain from Harry Potter (uh…Snape?)?

 

[Gemmie]

It shows Darth Vader on the left side and the words are quoting that character saying “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Thanks, but I don't think that's it. The word between the lines "I find your lack of" and "Disturbing" looks like SEARE_____ or SCARE____ and I can't figure out what it can be. I even tried ebay for sale and sold to see if I could find it and that didn't pan out either. Thank you for trying!

I Googed and Binged for it and there are a LOT of options that go between those 2 lines (There's more than these individual words (there are phrases) but I only was omitting one word on that 2nd line so they wouldn't show up in the search results any longer. Some examples of what's on those shirts (again, it' only 1 word, not longer phrases) ammo, coffee, faith, style, cleavage, fashion, cheer, treats, green, beer, caffeine, strength, pride, badger, eggs, beard, candy, rum, bourbon, and so on). I tried omitting all of those in my search and still couldn't find one that starts with and SCA or SEA or SLA.

It's definitely not faith, but thanks.

Source: 5 Ohio family members found dead in apparent murder-suicide

 

[TMcgee]

Thanks, but I don't think that's it. The word between the lines "I find your lack of" and "Disturbing" looks like SEARE_____ or SCARE____ and I can't figure out what it can be. I even tried ebay for sale and sold to see if I could find it and that didn't pan out either. Thank you for trying!

I Googed and Binged for it and there are a LOT of options that go between those 2 lines (There's more than these individual words (there are phrases) but I only was omitting one word on that 2nd line so they wouldn't show up in the search results any longer. Some examples of what's on those shirts (again, it' only 1 word, not longer phrases) ammo, coffee, faith, style, cleavage, fashion, cheer, treats, green, beer, caffeine, strength, pride, badger, eggs, beard, candy, rum, bourbon, and so on). I tried omitting all of those in my search and still couldn't find one that starts with and SCA or SEA or SLA.

It's definitely not faith, but thanks.

View attachment 443515

Source: 5 Ohio family members found dead in apparent murder-suicide

Lack of Scarlet and grey (Ohio state colors). The Ohio state logo is at the bottom right as well.

 

[Gemmie]

Lack of Scarlet and grey (Ohio state colors). The Ohio state logo is at the bottom right as well.

That makes WAY more sense! THANK YOU! I knew it wasn't starting with an 'F A I' as I could see some of the letters. And I was wondering what the blue (gray?) word on the end was.

I love this site! Such smart people.

 

[Gemmie]

It shows Darth Vader on the left side and the words are quoting that character saying “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Darth Vader's "I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing" | Know Your Meme

"I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing" is a memorable quote uttered by the character Darth Vader from the 1977 sci-fi film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Ho

knowyourmeme.com

Super apropos shirt for a sadistic narcissist like JD to wear.

ETA: wait, no. All the others are wearing Harry Potter shirts, so his is probably a play on that quote. And maybe it’s not Darth Vader but the villain from Harry Potter (uh…Snape?)?

I do think it's Darth. There's all sorts of t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs, etc. with his image and "I find your lack of <fill in the blank> disturbing".

 

[ArianeEmory]

This one isn’t getting much coverage. Is it because it’s not clear which parent was the killer?