Police identify victims of suspected murder-suicide of family

Community, schools mourn loss of four

Avon Lake police have released the identities of two adults and two children found dead Sept. 7 from gunshot wounds at a house in the 32000 block of English Turn.

Police identified Jeffrey Hull, 50, Heidi Hull, 46, Garrett Hull, 9, and Grant Hull, 6, as the deceased.

Police found the bodies during a welfare check.

Both children were students at Erieview Elementary School in Avon Lake, according to a letter to families released by Avon Lake City Schools.

The school district brought in counselors from across Lorain County to work with students and staff.

“Our hearts are broken,” said Superintendent Bob Scott. “This tragedy defies understanding. We are all mourning the loss of this family and our students, but we are Avon Lake strong and we will work together to get through this terrible event.”

Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka echoed Scott’s sentiment.

“Our community is in mourning for the loss of the family,” Zilka said. “We ask for your support during this difficult time.”

“Our hearts are broken . ... We are all mourning the loss of this family and our students, but we are Avon Lake strong and we will work together to get through this terrible event.”

— Avon Lake Schools Superintendent Bob Scott. “

Avon Lake police were dispatched to the house in the Legacy Pointe subdivision for a welfare check at 1:18 p.m., Sept. 7, where the four deceased individuals were located.

Officers saw a suspicious condition inside the house and requested detectives to respond to the scene.

The incident is under investigation by Avon Lake police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The Lorain County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene.

Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen offered his condolences at a work session Sept. 7 of Avon City Council just after hearing the first reports of the situation.

Jensen asked people to remember “their family to the north” who have suffered a tragic loss.

“I think any of us that have children and grandchildren know how tragic that would be to lose two small children and a family,” he said. “We will just remember Avon Lake.”

Avon Lake Schools has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents and school personnel at difficult times such as this and district families in need of support is encouraged to reach out.

Scott released a separate letter to Avon Lake families with resources to help children navigate the loss of a friend.

The letter encouraged families to watch their children closely over the next few weeks for any signs of distress or changes in behavior.

“Be understanding and tolerant of common grief reactions which include: decreased appetite; difficulty sleeping; a decreased ability to concentrate; increased sadness; and social withdrawal,” Scott wrote. “Express your own feelings in an open, calm and appropriate way that encourages students to share their feelings and grief.”