Elderly Ohio Duo Found Dead In Suspected Murder-Suicide Tragedy; Family Dog Also Found Dead

In a twist of events, an elderly couple from Ohio has been found dead at their home in an apparent murder-suicide. The Butler County Coroner’s Office, on April 3, identified the pair as Frederick Buckley, 70, and Claire Buckley, 72, with the former dying by suicide, while the latter’s death was ruled a homicide. As of now, the relationship between the two has not been identified.

Both Frederick and Claire died due to gunshot wounds and were found dead earlier this week in their home on the 4400 block of Hidden Oaks Lane in Liberty Township. According to Cincinnati Enquirer, a dog was also found dead in the living room of the house.

The case came to light when one of the residents’ sons-in-law had not heard from them for a couple of days. As cited in police records, he had a garage code but did not feel comfortable entering.

Although the investigation is ongoing, certain details were noted by officers when they first arrived at the house. A deputy found Frederick Buckley lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head. Meanwhile, Claire Buckley was found shot on the couch.

Neighbors were later contacted, one of whom told WCPO that both Frederick and Claire had lived in the house for more than a dozen years and had a dog named Luna.

The deceased were described as “nice people” by neighbors who said they were shocked by the news. One of them said, "It makes zero sense. It makes zero sense. Very nice people, very kind people. Always friendly, always something nice to say. Just shocked."

She further added, "Just this past week, when they were home, I heard them in the backyard playing with Luna and throwing the ball and the frisbee for her. And they laugh out loud watching her. I mean, they get total joy out of that dog."

Neighbors also said the pair had recently built a house in Columbus but often returned to Liberty Township because of their business, which they ran from home. "She was talking about the painters in their new house, and that she was starting to feel comfortable there and getting it set up and making it her own," a neighbor said, recalling a conversation with Claire earlier in the week.