Three young adults were found dead early Thursday morning in what authorities have ruled a double murder-suicide at an apartment complex in Columbus, Ohio.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, WDTN, and 10 WBNS, police identified the victims as Aiden David, 19, Giannh Viars, 21, and Michael Hughes, 23. The bodies were discovered shortly after midnight at approximately 12:20 a.m.
Investigators say Viars and Hughes were legally married but had separated. During the separation, Viars had begun a new relationship with David.
According to police accounts, Viars and David were inside her apartment when Hughes arrived and fired a shot through the door before forcing entry. He then fatally shot David.
Viars tried to flee but was shot near the front door. Witnesses told police that Hughes approached her again and fired a second shot, killing her. Hughes then turned the gun on himself.
“This is yet another heartbreaking example of how domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels,” said Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert. “We can’t urge victims enough—please reach out and get help.”
Albert stressed that abusers can often access personal details through public records and encouraged those at risk to use confidential shelters and advocacy services. He pointed specifically to Lutheran Social Services, Franklin County’s only emergency domestic violence shelter, as a vital resource for victims seeking safety and privacy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Help is available 24/7, free and confidential, in over 170 languages.