DAYTON, OH – Three Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employees were found dead over the weekend in what investigators have confirmed was a murder-suicide that has shaken the military community.
The victims have been identified as 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus, 25, a member of the 711th Human Performance Wing; Jaymee Prichard, 33, an employee with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center; and Jacob Prichard, 34, who worked for the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Authorities say Jacob Prichard killed his wife Jaymee late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Around 2 a.m. Saturday, he drove to Gustitus’s apartment, broke in, and fatally shot her. He then placed his wife’s body in his vehicle’s trunk and drove to the West Milton Municipal parking lot, where he opened the trunk and took his own life.
The three individuals were acquaintances through their work at the Ohio military installation.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” said Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander of Air Force Materiel Command. Officials emphasized their commitment to investigating the incident and supporting those affected.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are handling the case. Certain details remain unavailable for public disclosure as the investigation continues.
Whitney Pennybacker, who attended high school with Jacob Prichard, expressed disbelief at the news. “Not the one we went to school with,” she said. “He was just so kind and genuine and sweet.”
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest workplace-related incidents involving Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel in recent years. Base officials have not disclosed whether any warning signs preceded the killings or what may have motivated the violence.
