Jason R. Gardner, 39, of Ashland, Ohio, was found dead inside his home on September 2, 2022. Emergency responders were called after a woman discovered an elderly man with troubling injuries in the house; investigators later located Jason Gardner’s body in the residence. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was asked to assist and the scene was treated as a crime scene.

Jason’s 71-year-old father, Stanley Gardner, was found inside the home, transported to a local hospital for treatment, and later charged with his son’s murder. Prosecutors say evidence indicates Stanley shot Jason in the garage of the shared residence. A note attributed to Stanley reportedly stated he had taken his son’s life and that he had attempted to take his own life by other means. Investigators reported no signs of a struggle inside the home.

The case is scheduled for trial beginning February 27, 2024, in Ashland County Common Pleas Court. If anyone knew Jason or has information about what happened that day, please come forward.