3 killed in suspected double murder-suicide at Air Force base, authorities

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (WXIX/Gray News) - Officials say the deaths of three Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel appear to be a double murder-suicide.

Police say the suspect in the investigation is 34-year-old Jacob Prichard. Wright-Patterson said Prichard worked in the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The victims in this “horrific” case also worked at the Ohio airbase, according to Wright-Patterson and police.

The victims were identified as 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus, 25, who worked in the 711th Human Performance Wing, and Jaymee Prichard, 33, who worked in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

Police say Gustitus was murdered around 2 a.m. on Oct. 25 when police said Jacob Prichard drove to and broke into her Sugarcreek Township home.

Gustitus lived alone and knew Jacob Prichard and his wife, Jaymee Prichard, through their work together at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, police explained.

Jacob Prichard left the murder scene and was not seen again until around 4:30 a.m. when he pulled into the parking lot of the West Milton Municipal Building, police said.

Jacob Prichard killed himself minutes later near the trunk of his vehicle, but before he died, police said he opened the trunk up so that officers would find the body of Jaymee Prichard inside.

West Milton police said it is unknown where exactly Jaymee Prichard was killed, but they believe there are three crime scenes:

• West Milton Municipal Building - where Jacob Prichard killed himself
• Huber Heights - where the Prichards lived
• Sugarcreek Township - where Gustitus was killed

“The law enforcement agencies extend our condolences to the families of these horrific incidents,” West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright said in a press release.

Multiple agencies, including the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, are assisting in the investigation.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base issued the following statement about the crime:

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected. We stand with them as they navigate this unimaginable pain, and we offer our sincerest condolences to all impacted by this heartbreaking loss.

We are committed to fully investigating this incident and ensuring the families and co-workers of the victims receive the support they need during this difficult time. - Lt. Gen Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command."