Police: Father shoots mother, then self in ‘wholesome neighborhood’ in Shaker Heights

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Police in Shaker Heights are investigating the shooting death of two parents and the rescue of their four children at their home Thursday night.

Neighbors on Ludgate Road said it was difficult to sleep Thursday night because of the chaos.

“We looked outside, and we saw the SWAT truck and everything. We see the kids up on the roof. I asked if they were OK. They were just shaking their head no,” said Ragean Goggans.

Police responded to the Ludgate Road house, near Rife Court, around 10:45 p.m.

When they arrived, they found four children outside on the roof and on the second and third floors. When they were safely rescued, the children told officers their father had shot their mother. Police found both parents dead with gunshot wounds in the basement.

“We received information that multiple shots were fired inside of the home. Fearing for the safety of the individuals inside, we made emergency entrance inside of the home, and we found two individuals deceased in the basement of the home,” Shaker Heights Police Chief Wayne Hudson said.

Friday, neighbors were coming to terms with the tragedy.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear because kids don’t need to go through that. Kids need to be protected,” said Daniel Beitko, who’s been remodeling a house across the street.

Vonda, who’s lived in the neighborhood for 42 years, added, “I just hate that that happened. And when you can’t help or do anything about it, you feel even worse.”

Many said the violence felt out of place in the normally quiet neighborhood.

“People are walking their dogs, people are smiling, waving, saying hi. You see the neighbors, and it’s a wholesome neighborhood,” Beitko said.

Many also said their thoughts were with the children who experienced the tragedy.

“All mothers, grandmothers, fathers – they’d all feel that way. It’s sad… sad,” said Vonda.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and the children will be offered counseling and assistance.