3 dead in apparent murder-suicide, police call it ‘senseless tragedy’

Three people are dead following a murder-suicide that police called a senseless tragedy.

Police believe Eric Sirons, 56, shot and killed his wife, Jennifer Sirons, 49, and step-daughter, Andrea Heiser, 21, according to Springfield Police Chief Lee Graf.

The chief said Eric Sirons used a handgun during the slayings.

INITIAL REPORT: 3 dead in Springfield murder-suicide, police say.

“The men and women of the Springfield Police Division would again like to express our condolence for all those affected by this incident because this was indeed a senseless tragedy,” Graf said.

Eric Sirons was the membership director for the Chamber of Greater Springfield and previously worked in sales for the Springfield News-Sun. Jennifer Sirons was chief financial officer for the Clark County Juvenile Court.

Heiser was a student at Wright State University studying statistics, according to the school. She attended Kenton Ridge High School and was a volleyball player, according to Springfield News-Sun archives.

Jennifer Sirons had three other daughters who survived uninjured. They hid in a locked bathroom and one of them made a 911 call after she says Eric Sirons shot her mother and sister.

“My step dad shot them. My mom and my sister, he shot them both,” she told the 911 dispatcher.

Police declined to say what happened before the shooting. But another 911 call from someone who said she was calling on behalf of Jennifer Siron’s mother alleges there was an argument in the home before the gunfire.

A motive behind the shooting in the 1300 block of Quinlan Court wasn’t released by police, but court records obtained by the Springfield News-Sun show Eric Sirons had filed for divorce in April.

A Clark County judge issued a mutual restraining order and ordered that neither harass or interfere with each other, according to court records.

MORE: What we know about 3 people killed in Springfield shooting

Eric Sirons filed a motion on May 7 accusing Jennifer Sirons of violating that order.

“Since that order, the defendant has constantly verbally abused and harassed the plaintiff on a daily basis, including in person, via text and emails,” the complaint says.

Eric Sirons said he had been living in the home’s basement because Jennifer Sirons was “making the home unlivable,” according to the complaint.

The document also says the situation might escalate into physical harm.

A response hadn’t been filed by Jennifer Sirons. Her attorney, Amanda Lantz, declined to comment Wednesday.

Jennifer Sirons was taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center where she died Tuesday, according to Springfield police.

“Jennifer Sirons was a seven-year employee of Clark County Juvenile Court and served as the court’s chief financial officer,” Clark County Juvenile Judge Robert Vaughn said in a statement. “Jen was not only a very gifted and devoted employee, she was also a very sweet friend to many of us. We are all heartbroken, and we grieve deeply for her family. We ask that the public join us in praying for her daughters and extended family for the terrible loss and pain they are experiencing.”

EXTRA: 3 dead in Springfield murder-suicide, police say

Clark County commissioners released a statement saying they were heartbroken over her death.

Wright State said in a statement that the university is mourning Heiser’s death and has made counselors available to those impacted.

The Chamber of Greater Springfield declined to comment on Eric Sirons death but released a statement to its members.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our chamber team member, membership director and friend, Eric Sirons. Through his role with the chamber and his many volunteer efforts, Eric left an indelible impression on the community. He will be greatly missed,” the statement says.

Maxine Hague, owner of Bada Bing! Pizzeria in downtown Springfield, knew Eric Sirons and is a member of the chamber.

“He was very nice, very respectful,” Hague said. “He was very helpful. He was a very sweet guy.”

He was well known in Springfield, Hague said, and the news is shocking.

“Anybody that is part of the chamber or went to the Commerce (Pointe) building, you’ve seen him,” Hague said. “Anytime there is a grand opening, he was always front and center.”

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