On January 27, 2023, 41-year-old Kurtis M. Harstine was found deceased in the second-floor master bedroom of a vacant home on Township Road 851 near Nankin, Ohio. The Ashland County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at 3:38 p.m. and discovered Harstine's body, noting that he had been dead for some time. An autopsy conducted by the Lucas County Medical Examiner confirmed that Harstine died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following an investigation, authorities arrested 67-year-old Howard Dwayne Walters, Harstine's ex-father-in-law, in connection with the murder. Walters was charged with aggravated murder, and during his arraignment, his bond was set at $3 million.
Born on December 25, 1981, in Coshocton, Ohio, Harstine graduated from River View High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Ashland University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He later obtained a master's degree from The Ohio State University. Harstine served in the U.S. Army with tours in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. At the time of his death, he was a social worker with the Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) program at the Veterans Administration in Mansfield, impacting many lives over his 13-year tenure.
In addition to his professional work, Harstine volunteered with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, participating in several mission trips. He enjoyed camping with his children, hiking, and riding motorcycles and dirt bikes. He is survived by his children, Penelope and Milo Harstine; his mother, Janet Harstine; and his sisters, Kendra Bordenkircher and Kristin Harstine.
Visiting hours were held on February 14, 2023, at Gospel Hill Ministry in Warsaw, Ohio, with a service the following day officiated by Pastor Ron Davis. Military rites were conducted by the Coshocton County Veterans Council Honor Guard.
The tragic death of Kurtis Harstine has deeply affected his family and the Ashland community, highlighting the profound impact of his life and service.
