Rachel E. Reutzel, a 33-year-old woman from Lewis Center, Ohio, tragically died on December 4, 2016. She and her husband, Todd Reutzel, 41, were found dead in what investigators believe to be a murder-suicide. The bodies were discovered by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at the Lewis Center access road to Alum Creek Beach. Rachel was found inside the family vehicle, while Todd's body was located about 75 yards away. Both had gunshot wounds, and it is believed that Todd shot Rachel before turning the gun on himself.
The investigation revealed that family members became worried when they couldn't reach Rachel and Todd on the afternoon of the incident. A search was initiated, involving deputies, the Genoa Township Police, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio BCI. Neighbors reported seeing Todd driving slowly by the house earlier in the day, which raised concerns.
Rachel and Todd Reutzel were married in 2010 and both worked as attorneys at the Bricker and Eckler law firm in Columbus at one point in their careers. The firm released a statement expressing deep sadness over the sudden deaths of their colleagues. The couple had three young daughters who were staying with relatives following the incident.
The Delaware County Sheriff's Office did not find any prior records of problems at the family home, and neighbors described the family as having it all before the tragic event. The investigation concluded that Todd was the suspect in Rachel's death, and the case was treated as a murder-suicide.
It's a heartbreaking story that left the community in shock, especially considering the seemingly happy life the Reutzel family led.
