Authorities say a U.S. Air Force base employee killed his wife and a fellow service member before fatally shooting himself early Saturday morning in a small Ohio town.
The violent chain of events began late on October 24, when Jacob Prichard, 34, allegedly broke into the apartment of 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus in Sugarcreek Township, about 18 miles south of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where both were stationed, WDTN reported, citing local police.
Investigators believe Prichard killed Gustitus inside her apartment, though the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Prichard allegedly broke into US Air Force Lieutenant Jaime Gustitus' apartment and killed her. Credit: LinkedIn.
After leaving the scene, Prichard reportedly murdered his wife, Jaymee Prichard, 33, before turning the gun on himself in the parking lot of the West Milton Municipal Building in the early hours of October 25, according to police.
Authorities found Jacob with a self-inflicted gunshot wound around 4:30AM. His wife’s body was discovered in the open trunk of their vehicle nearby.
Victims Worked Together at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
In a statement, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base confirmed that all three individuals were affiliated with the base. Prichard and Gustitus were both assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory, while Jaymee worked for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected,” said Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, in a press release. “We stand with them as they navigate this unimaginable pain and will ensure the victims’ families and co-workers receive the support they need during this difficult time.”
Authorities believe the three knew each other through work, though the nature of their relationships remains under investigation.
Investigation Underway
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the inquiry, with assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and local law enforcement.
Prichard allegedly killed his wife Jaymee before taking his own life. Credit: Facebook.
Before joining the Air Force, Jaymee Prichard worked in business and entrepreneurship. She and Jacob were both graduates of Wright State University, where Jaymee earned a degree in psychology.
A 2018 university profile from the Wright State University Newsroom highlighted her passion for business, describing how she began working with her stepfather’s cellphone retail stores before co-founding a rental photo booth company with Jacob.
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