Findlay Police Investigate Suspicious Deaths on Easter Sunday

FINDLAY, Ohio – Authorities are investigating the deaths of two individuals discovered at an apartment on Main Street in Findlay on Easter Sunday, April 20. The deaths are being treated as suspicious, and police are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a call at an apartment complex in the 700 block of Main Street. Upon arrival, they found 52-year-old Richard Gutierrez Jr. and 61-year-old Ernesto Mendoza deceased. Both men were visiting the residence of a friend and were not residents of the apartment.

Lieutenant Detective Andrew Welch of the Findlay Police Department spoke with local news outlets about the investigation, noting that both victims were friends and were among several people gathered at the apartment. Welch described the situation as unusual, pointing out that the simultaneous deaths of two individuals in the same location is uncommon.

“It’s very unusual for multiple deaths to occur on the same timeline like that,” Welch stated. “There were several individuals at the residence when we arrived, and while we attempted to speak with them, there were varying levels of intoxication and cooperation among those present. We are continuing to follow up on those leads.”

Though the police are in the process of questioning witnesses, some have been less forthcoming than others. Welch emphasized the need to carefully review all available information before making any conclusions. The police have already submitted for autopsy reports for both victims, which are expected to provide more clarity on the causes of death.

“Anytime you have multiple deaths within the same time frame, it’s definitely something you want to look at closely,” Welch added. “We have to make sure we have all the information we need before moving forward.”

Despite the suspicious nature of the deaths, the police have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to the community. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

As of now, the Findlay Police Department is treating this case as an isolated incident, and no further details have been released. The department is awaiting the results of the autopsies to determine the next steps in the investigation.

The deaths have shocked the local community, and many await further updates from the authorities. The investigation remains ongoing.