Ohio Sheriff says evidence points to murder-suicide in toddler, grandparents' deaths

Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis L. Campbell stated that evidence is leaning toward a murder-suicide in the deaths of a 22-month-old toddler and his two grandparents found with gunshot wounds in Gnadenhutten, Ohio. The sheriff told WOIO that he is "pretty confident" the incident occurred within the home.

Deputies from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call on Wednesday after a voice softly said the word "help." Upon arrival, officers discovered Kozzar Lotut, Melissa Campbell, 51, and Gale Sanders, 67, deceased with apparent gunshot wounds. Fox News Digital confirmed the identities of the victims with the Tuscarawas Coroner's Office.

Sheriff Campbell noted that the grandparents had been caring for Lotut, who suffered from medical disabilities. Melissa Campbell appeared to be employed as a registered nurse at New Philadelphia Health Care Center in Ohio prior to her death. The deaths are currently being investigated as a murder-suicide, according to the sheriff.

First responders initially struggled to trace the 911 call after the unnamed caller dialed and hung up. Dispatchers attempted to call the number back multiple times before someone answered and spoke the word "help." Through investigative efforts, deputies traced the line to a residence on Cherry Street in the community. A great-grandmother opened the door and allowed investigators inside the home.

The bodies of the three victims were transported to the Tuscarawas County Coroner's Office for autopsies. The manner and cause of death remain pending, according to the Coroner's Office, which stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available and appropriate. Fox News Digital has sought comment from American Medical Administrators, the operator of New Philadelphia Health Care Center, and from the Sheriff's Office.