ELYRIA, Ohio — Elyria Police found four family members dead at a home in the 200 block of Kenny Brook Lane in Elyria around 11:45 p.m. Saturday night after receiving a 911 call from a man saying he killed his family and was going to kill himself as well.
According to Elyria Police, officers arrived at the scene, found the residence locked, heard no answer from inside and had to force entry before finding four people dead inside. Officials said they are all related to one another.
Police have identified the decedents as:
- Bernadette A. Steadman, 92 years old
- James C. Steadman, 69 years old
- Lisa B. Steadman, 60 years old
- Matthew J. Steadman, 34 years old
"Initial findings indicate this incident appears to be a 'murder-suicide' with Mr. James Steadman being the suspect," police said.
Neighbors said the family had lived in the neighborhood for years. They are described as a nice family by neighbors.
Police believe 69-year-old Steadman killed his 60-year-old wife, his 34-year-old son and his 92-year-old mother.
"His son had autism, " said Valerie Calkins. "His mother was elderly he would take walks with her," explained Calkins who lives across the street. She said he would compliment her on her yard and flowers when he was out walking.
Anthony Jackson said he would see Steadman often outside in the neighborhood.
"I saw him out and about. He used to walk his wife over here back and forth. She had cancer," said Jackson.
"I know he had said some things like he was kind of getting burned out you know he was taking care of the three people is tough. His son had issues, his mom and then his wife was just getting over cancer," said Jackson.
Neighbors said just days ago a new ramp was installed at the house.
Authorities believe it was an isolated incident with no further threat to the community.
Police detectives and the Lorain County Medical Examiner's Office are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kasperovich 440-326-1213 or zkasperovich@cityofelyria.org.
Resources to help are available by calling 988, the new national number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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