Four Family Members Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Shaker Heights

Shaker Heights Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating an apparent murder suicide on South Woodland Road. Police found a family of four dead Sunday afternoon while conducting a welfare check.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner released the names of the deceased. They are John Tobin, 57; Regina Tobin, 58; and their children Graham and Natalie Tobin, 15. Graham and Natalie were twins. They were incoming freshmen at Gilmour Academy and Laurel School, respectively.

The medical examiner said that Regina and the teenage children died of suspected homicides. The cause of John Tobin’s death was not released, but authorities said there was no sign of forced entry in the home, which abuts the Shaker Heights Country Club and which the Tobins bought in April of 2019.

Both Gilmour and Laurel have issued statements acknowledging the tragedy and offering prayers and condolences.

Some new details this morning from Channel 5:

John Tobin’s father called Shaker Heights police Sunday afternoon stating he received an apologetic email from his son Sunday morning in which he told his father to call Shaker PD, tell them the key was under the doormat and that it was safe to enter.
— Emily Hamilton (@emilyhamiltontv) August 31, 2020

Tobin’s father stated Tobin was depressed but did not believe his son was currently being treated for the mental illness. According to Tobin’s father, Tobin had recently lost his job and the family dog had died last week.
— Emily Hamilton (@emilyhamiltontv) August 31, 2020