Couple found shot to death in Columbiana County home

Two people were found dead inside a home in West Township on Monday afternoon, from apparent gunshot wounds according to Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin.

Deputies were on their way to a home on Ridge Road just after 4:30 p.m. after they received a call for a welfare check of residents.

Soon after, dispatchers got a call that a 16 year old son found the bodies of his mother, Vanessa Chester and stepfather, Jason Hilaire in the basement of that home. 

A man named Travis Bristow called-in the welfare check, as he'd received a 28 minute "ominous sounding voicemail" from Hilaire and the voicemail was "just a bunch of regrets" and Hilaire "wished his life was going better right now."

The victims were found with apparent gunshot wounds. The county coroner’s office and Child Protective Services were also called to the scene.

In a press release, the sheriff's office confirmed the victims had been found with gunshot wounds and Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said this appears to be a murder-suicide.

The couple was also getting a divorce.

Child protective services were on scene to care for the 16 year old and his younger sister.

The sheriff’s office is investigating the incident and has not released any further details.

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