Frederick Buckley, 70, Fatally Shoots Wife Claire Olmsted Buckley, 72, in Liberty Township Murder-Suicide Before Killing Self; Couple and Dog Found Dead During Welfare Check

An elderly couple was found dead inside their Liberty Township, Ohio home in what authorities have ruled a murder-suicide. Officials also discovered the couple’s dog dead at the scene.

The victims were identified as Frederick Buckley, 70, and his wife, Claire Olmsted Buckley, 72, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.

Deputies with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home on the 4400 block of Hidden Oaks Lane after a concerned family member requested a welfare check, saying they had not heard from the couple in several days.

When authorities arrived, the couple’s son-in-law was outside the residence. He told deputies he had been unable to reach them and noticed their vehicle was still in the garage, according to reports.

Inside the home, deputies made a grim discovery.

Frederick Buckley was found on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head, while Claire Buckley was located on a couch, also suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Officials said the couple’s dog was found dead in the living room.

Coroner records later confirmed that Frederick Buckley died by suicide, while Claire Buckley’s death was ruled a homicide. Both deaths were caused by gunshot wounds.

Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led to the fatal incident.

Neighbors described the couple as kind, friendly, and devoted to each other and their pet dog, Luna.

“It makes zero sense,” one neighbor said. “Very nice people, very kind people. Always friendly, always something nice to say. Just shocked.”

The neighbor recalled recently seeing the couple enjoying time with their dog in the backyard.

“Just this past week, I heard them playing with Luna, throwing the ball and frisbee for her,” the neighbor said. “They were laughing and having a great time. They got so much joy from that dog.”

Residents also shared that the couple had lived in the neighborhood for more than a decade. Although they had recently built a home in Columbus, they frequently returned to Liberty Township, where they operated a financial planning business.

Another neighbor said Claire had recently spoken about settling into their new home and appeared happy.

“She was talking about getting everything set up and making it her own,” the neighbor said. “She seemed very happy.”

The shocking nature of the incident has left neighbors struggling for answers.

“This is completely out of character,” another resident said. “They’re very kind people with a wonderful family. I just can’t believe it.”

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated any ongoing threat to the public.