West Milton, Ohio — A horrifying series of events unfolded early Saturday when U.S. Air Force employee Jacob Prichard, 34, killed his wife and a fellow officer before taking his own life, according to police in West Milton, Ohio. The triple tragedy has stunned both the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and surrounding communities, raising fresh concerns about mental health and domestic violence within military families.
Authorities say Prichard first broke into the Sugarcreek Township apartment of Lieutenant Jaime Gustitus, 25, around 2 a.m. on October 25, where he fatally shot her. Hours later, police believe he killed his wife, Jaymee Prichard, 33, before placing her body in the trunk of his vehicle and driving to the Air Force base’s parking lot, where he later died by suicide.
West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright confirmed that a neighbor called 911 after hearing a gunshot and the sound of glass breaking. “I opened up my back door, and he said he had a gun and told me to get back in my house,” the witness told WHIO-TV, recalling the terrifying encounter.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed where Jaymee Prichard was killed or the circumstances surrounding her death.
Both Jacob and Jaime worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base — Jacob at the Air Force Research Laboratory, where Gustitus was also assigned, and Jaymee at the Life Cycle Management Center, which oversees weapon systems for the U.S. Air Force. Officials said all three individuals were known to each other, though the nature of their relationships remains under investigation.
Community Mourning and Support Efforts
The deaths have left families and colleagues reeling. A Meal Train fundraiser has been launched to support Jaymee Prichard’s grieving relatives, helping cover meals and immediate needs during what organizers described as “an unimaginable time.”
“We’d like to ease a small part of their burden by organizing meals for the family,” the page reads. “Your support and kindness mean more than words can express.”
Lieutenant General Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, expressed the service’s condolences in a public statement:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the inquiry, supported by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and local law enforcement.
The Air Force has also activated counseling and casualty assistance programs for base personnel and affected families. Resources include the Air Force Employee Assistance Program and the Chaplain’s Office, which are providing grief counseling and crisis support.
Broader Implications and Reflection
This incident has reignited conversations about mental health pressures among military personnel, particularly those stationed far from extended family networks. While officials have not yet released details on Prichard’s motives, experts note that stress, isolation, and the demanding nature of service life can compound personal struggles.
As investigators piece together what led to the violence, the Ohio Air Force community continues to grieve — united by sorrow, but also by a shared resolve to support one another through tragedy.
“We’ve lost not just colleagues,” one base employee said, “but people who were part of our Air Force family.”
