Galion death ruled a homicide

GALION — Investigators ruled the death of Frederick Saunders, 68, who died Wednesday at Galion Community Hospital, as a homicide, and are holding a suspect, Frederick Saunders Jr., in investigative custody at the Crawford County Jail, according to a release from the Galion Police Department.

The Galion Police Department, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office began investigating the circumstances of Saunders’ death, according to the release. A search warrant was conducted Thursday at Saunders’ home, 401 S. Union St., and an autopsy was done Friday morning in conjunction with the investigation, police said.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate that the elder Saunders died as a result of strangulation and blunt force of trauma to his head. Evidence from the search at the home on Union Street confirmed that foul play occurred inside the residence.

“At this time, we believe that the death of Mr. Saunders Sr. is an isolated incident. We also believe that the person that caused the death of Mr. Saunders Sr. is in custody. This is a tragic situation, but I want to assure the community that they are safe and the person involved is no longer a danger to the public” said Galion plice Chief Brian Saterfield.

The Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office will begin making determinations of criminal charges that will be filed with the investigation early next week, according to the release.

dhess@gannett.com

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