Jeff Chapman, a 70-year-old white male from Bremen, Ohio, was fatally shot on February 25, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio. Born on April 29, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, he was a retired engineer who had worked for 20 years at Showa in Mt. Sterling. Jeff was known for his love of target shooting, motorcycles, and woodworking. He was a devoted family man who cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On the evening of February 25, 2025, Lancaster police responded to a behavioral emergency at 1244 North Broad Street. Upon arrival, officers encountered an armed male suspect, leading to an officer-involved shooting. Inside the residence, two men were found deceased with apparent gunshot wounds: Jeff Chapman and his 48-year-old white male stepson-in-law, John Richard Varney. A woman was also discovered outside the home with a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Kyle Varney, was taken into custody and hospitalized with critical injuries. He faces charges including two counts of murder and six counts of felonious assault. Police confirmed that Varney had a familial connection to the victims but did not elaborate on the nature of the relationships. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent review of the officer-involved shooting, while the Lancaster Police Department continues to investigate the homicides.
Jeff Chapman's death has deeply affected the Lancaster community. A Celebration of Life was held on March 29, 2025, at the Lancaster Camp Ground Activity Building. His family requested that memorial gifts be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor. Jeff is remembered for his warmth, craftsmanship, and dedication to his family.
