Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article contained an incorrect image of then-2nd Lt. Jaime S. Gustitus following her graduation from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management in 2023. The image has since been updated.
WEST MILTON, Ohio — Authorities have confirmed the deaths of three Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel in what investigators are calling a double murder-suicide that spanned multiple locations around Dayton between Friday evening and Saturday morning.
West Milton Police identified the deceased as 34-year-old Jacob E. Prichard, 33-year-old Jaymee M. Prichard, and 25-year-old 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus.
According to investigators, Jacob Prichard killed his wife, Jaymee, sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning before placing her body in the trunk of their vehicle. He then drove to the West Milton Municipal parking lot, where he fatally shot himself.
“Prior to taking his own life, he opened the trunk of the car so officers who found him would also find Jaymee Prichard in the trunk,” West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright said in a statement.
Police later determined that before his suicide, Jacob had driven to Honey Tree Place in Sugarcreek Township, where he broke into the apartment of 1st Lt. Jaime Gustitus and killed her around 2 a.m. on Saturday.
Gustitus, 25, served as an Operations Research Analyst for the United States Air Force, stationed at Wright-Patt within the 711th Human Performance Wing, part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Jaymee Prichard worked for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, while Jacob Prichard was also employed at AFRL as an Acquisition Project Manager in the Sensors Directorate — a role focused on maintaining U.S. air dominance through advanced technology programs.
Investigators believe all three individuals knew each other through their work at Wright-Patterson AFB.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy (Class of 2022), Gustitus earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research before completing a Master of Science in the same field at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Her academic background focused on mathematical modeling, systems analysis, and quantitative optimization—fields essential to Air Force mission planning and technology development.
Gustitus had also completed a student-pilot assignment in Columbus, Mississippi, prior to her analyst position at Wright-Patt. Her professional profile listed a Top Secret/SCI clearance and noted her proficiency in applied mathematics, data modeling, and operational systems engineering—skills often applied to mission support and decision analysis at the operational and strategic level.
Multiple agencies — including the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Sugarcreek Township Police, Huber Heights Police, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) — are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not released a motive.
Public records and Jacob Prichard’s LinkedIn profile describe a man with a long history in Air Force program management and private-sector entrepreneurship. He held multiple technical and acquisition certifications, worked for both the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Air Force Research Laboratory, and previously co-founded several small businesses in the Dayton area.
In an official statement, Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Deputy Commander of Air Force Materiel Command, expressed condolences on behalf of the Air Force community:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected. We stand with them as they navigate this unimaginable pain, and we offer our sincerest condolences to all impacted by this heartbreaking loss.”
Wright-Patterson officials confirmed the Air Force has activated counseling and family support resources through the Casualty Assistance Office, Employee Assistance Program, and Chaplain’s Office.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the case with support from Air Force OSI. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Lt. Jason Moore of the Miami County Sheriff’s Office at 937-440-6085 ext. 3991.
As of now, authorities have not disclosed where Jaymee Prichard was killed or what may have motivated Jacob’s actions. The timeline of events — from Huber Heights to Sugarcreek Township to West Milton — continues to be reconstructed by investigators.
The Air Force has not confirmed whether workplace relationships or disciplinary issues played any role.
Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as new details become available. The Salty Soldier extends condolences to the families, colleagues, and service members affected by this tragedy.
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