On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at approximately 9:52 a.m., the Champaign County 911 Center received a call from a property owner at 7310 E. State Route 29, between Urbana and Mechanicsburg, Ohio. The caller reported discovering two deceased males under suspicious circumstances in the residence.
Upon arrival, sheriff's deputies confirmed that two adult males were deceased inside the home. The victims were identified as Lundy R. Travis, age 68, and Wayne F. Smoot, age 74. Both men were allowed to live in the home by the property owner.
Preliminary reports from the Montgomery County Coroner's Office confirmed that both Travis and Smoot died as a result of gunshot wounds. The bodies were taken for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
The Champaign County Sheriff's Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Champaign County Coroner's Office initiated an investigation into the incident. Detectives and agents were on the scene to gather evidence and conduct interviews.
As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the deaths of Travis and Smoot. Investigators believe there is no additional danger or threat posed to the community regarding this incident. However, the matter remains under active investigation by local and state authorities.
Lundy "Pete" R. Travis Jr. was born on August 24, 1955, in Springfield, Ohio. He was known as "Pete" to friends and family. No further details about his personal life or circumstances leading to his death have been released to the public at this time.
