In Lucasville, an apparent murder-suicide is currently under investigation after two deaths occurred in separate fires.
On July 1, 2023, at around 3:53 p.m., the Scioto County Sheriff's Office received a distressing 911 call reporting a fire at 13300 U.S. Highway 23. The caller, who claimed to be at the scene, also mentioned another fire on Nesbitt Road and confessed to killing his father there.
Scioto County Sheriff's Deputies and firefighters from Valley Township responded to the U.S. Highway 23 location while deputies and Jefferson Township firefighters were dispatched to the reported fire on Nesbitt Road. Tragically, bodies were discovered at both locations.
To determine the exact cause of death, the bodies were transported to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office for autopsies.
The caller identified himself as John Thomas Grooms II, 27, of 13300 U.S. Highway 23, Lucasville. The victim at the Nesbittt Road address, identified as John Grooms, 76, was confirmed to be the caller's father.
The investigation remains ongoing, authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office.