A few hours after Jason Madden, 32, received a notice that he could no longer work at the same company as his estranged wife, he showed up and killed her workplace in Peebles, Ohio.
Madden immediately fled the scene where he shot and killed his wife Rachel Madden, 33, before turning the gun on himself when he was found by police at the intersection of State Routes 32 and 41.
“It’s my understanding that they were going through a divorce and that there have been some information that just came to light today, which may have been the reason for him doing what he did,” said Kenneth Dick, investigator for Adams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Evidence shows that Rachel had previously filed a protective order against Jason on August 16, despite the couple still working together at Southern Ohio Lumber Company.
Rachel’s twin sister confirmed that she was making plans to get away from her husband after 13 years of being married together.
“She decided that she was going to get away from her husband. She didn’t feel safe and we made arrangements for her to come up here,” Whitney Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw claims that there were many red flags leading up to the shooting and Jason seemed mentally unwell.
“She worked on getting a restraining order against him,” Bradshaw said. “She wanted an amicable divorce where they could get along and where Eric could see his father.”
“She wanted him to still be able to make an income … he was the mechanic and he worked outside and she worked in the office, but he kept violating that,” she said.
“Instead of helping my sister plan a new life after trying to get a fresh start, I’m planning a funeral instead,” Bradshaw sadly said. “She was a hard worker. She provided mostly for their family. “She always had a heart for people and helping people and loving people.”
A GoFundMe account was created to assist the family with expenses, as well as helping with Rachel’s 12-year-old son.
“Rachel was an incredible mother to Eric who lost both of his parents in the most horrific way imaginable,” the GoFundMe description reads. “I am asking first and foremost that you pray for comfort, strength and wisdom for my family.”
Rachel’s family isn’t the only one hurting. Jason’s sister said, “”My brother snapped. I can’t believe it’s real.”
Cook said, “I saw my brother a few hours before the shooting and he seemed depressed. I hope in everyone’s heart they can forgive him. I want them to know that I’m sorry for what my brother did. I hope that they’ll forgive him.”
So so sad!
May God be with both families and give them
Peace and Comfort.
Thats the breaks, though, red flags be damned, right? SMH. so senseless and unnecessary