The tragic deaths of three U.S. Air Force personnel have sent shockwaves through the military community in Ohio, following what authorities suspect to be a murder-suicide. The somber incident has left many grappling for answers as they mourn the loss of their colleagues.

Jacob Prichard, aged 34, is alleged to have fatally shot his wife, 33-year-old Jaymee Prichard, as well as Lieutenant Jaime Gustitus, who was just 25, before turning the gun on himself. The grim sequence unfolded on a Saturday morning, leaving a community in disbelief.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio has confirmed the untimely deaths of the three individuals. Local law enforcement has indicated that the incident is being treated as a murder-suicide case, although investigations continue to piece together the full narrative.

In a particularly harrowing detail, Jaymee Prichard, a mother of three, was discovered deceased in the trunk of her husband’s vehicle, with Jacob Prichard’s body lying nearby. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Gustitus was found dead in her apartment, further compounding the tragedy.

The Daily Mail is actively seeking further details and confirmation from the air force base and local authorities as the community seeks solace and answers in the wake of this devastating event.

West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright told WHIOTV a witness in Sugarcreek Township called police after hearing a loud bang in her neighbor’s home around 2am. 

‘The glass door shattered. I think they shattered her door,’ the caller said, per WHIOTV. 

The witness looked outside and saw a man, who police said was Jacob. 

Three members of the US Air Force have been found dead in what police have called a suspected murder suicide. Jacob Prichard, 34, is believed to have killed his wife, Jaymee Prichard, 33, and Lieutenant Jaime Gustitus, 25. (Pictured: The Prichards) 

Jaime Gustitus (pictured) was a lieutenant working in 711th Human Performance Wing, part of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson

The Prichards have three children together in Huber Heights, who they posted about online

‘I opened up my back door, and he said he had a gun (and) to get back in my house. And he hopped off their patio and left,’ the caller said. 

Police told WHIOTV that Jacob had just killed Gustitus in her apartment at this point. They added that Jacob also killed Jaymee, but did not disclose how or where. 

Hours later, at 4am, Jacob pulled up to his workplace and parked outside. He opened the trunk of his car and shot himself on camera, per WHIOTV. 

Police said Jaymee’s body was found in the trunk of the car, and that they believe her husband wanted people to find her there. 

The Prichards lived in Huber Heights just north of Dayton, close to Cincinnati. They have three children, who they often posted about on social media. 

Police said they don’t think the children witnessed any of the horror. A motive is yet to be determined. 

Gustitus was a lieutenant working in 711th Human Performance Wing, part of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson. 

The Prichards worked at the same base as civilian employees – Jaymee at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and Prichard at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

It’s unclear what their relationship with Gustitus was. Police have described her as their colleague. 

Pictured: Lieutenant Jaime Gustitus, 25, on the right. Police said she was killed on Saturday

The Prichards lived in Huber Heights just north of Dayton, close to Cincinnati in Ohio

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio has confirmed their deaths, while police have told local media outlets it was a murder suicide

‘We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected,’ Lt Gen Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, said in a statement. 

‘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.’ 

Jaymee’s family have launched a fundraiser to support her three children, where people can donate to provide meals for the kids. 

‘The Rock/Pritchard family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of their daughter and her three children the loss of their mother,’ the fundraiser reads. 

‘As they navigate this unimaginable time, we’d like to ease a small part of their burden by organizing meals for the family. 

‘If you’re able, please consider signing up to provide a meal. Your support and kindness mean more than words can express.’

The air force base said the deaths are being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

They added that the Air Force and local authorities are providing counseling services and support to everyone impacted by the tragedy.