Glouster, Ohio (January 17, 2024) – The Athens County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspected domestic violence homicide that occurred on Monday, January 15th, 2024, in Glouster, Ohio.
Deputies responded to a call for assistance at a residence on South Poplar Drive around 2:00 PM. Upon arrival, they discovered two deceased individuals, identified as Amy Smathers, 54, and Jack Smathers, 59, in an upstairs bedroom.
Investigators secured the scene and initiated a thorough investigation. Initial findings revealed no signs of forced entry to the home. Based on evidence at the scene, detectives believe the couple, who were reportedly in the process of filing for divorce, were involved in a domestic violence incident.
Authorities suspect Jack Smathers died by suicide from a drug overdose. Amy Smathers’ cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy and toxicology reports. However, due to injuries sustained, her death is being investigated as a homicide, with Jack Smathers named as the sole suspect.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest a threat to the community or involvement of any other individuals,” the Athens County Sheriff’s Office stated in a release. “No further information will be released to the public until further investigation and completion of the pending reports.”
While the case remains active and under investigation, preliminary indications point to this incident as a tragic outcome of domestic violence. The Sheriff’s Office offers its deepest condolences to all affected by this unfortunate event.
