Michael L. Haycook, a 60-year-old male of Whitehall, Ohio, tragically died on May 10, 2021, from an apparent gunshot wound in his apartment in Whitehall, a suburb of Columbus, OH. The incident was investigated by the Whitehall Division of Police and was determined to be a murder-suicide. Haycook was found dead in his apartment, and the investigation revealed that 36-year-old Roderick Moon, who had been involved in ongoing disputes with Haycook, was also found dead from an apparent
self-inflicted gunshot wound in a neighboring apartment.
The police were called to the apartment complex on Bernhard Road around 1:30 p.m. after receiving a shots fired call. Upon arrival, officers found numerous shell casings in the common hallway and forced entry into Haycook's apartment, where they discovered his body. In the apartment next door, Moon was found barricaded inside, and after gaining entry, officers found him dead with two firearms nearby. Detectives concluded that the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, as both men had prior problems and ongoing issues with each other.
The tragic incident shook the local community, with neighbors recounting hearing multiple gunshots and feeling rattled by the close proximity of the violence. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to the scene to assist in collecting evidence. The Whitehall police urged anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help and provided contact information for local resources.
This case highlights the devastating impact of unresolved conflicts and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. The loss of Michael L. Haycook, a dedicated father, grandfather, and community member, is mourned by his family and friends.
