Jeff Chapman, 70, of Bremen, Ohio, was fatally shot on February 25, 2025, in Lancaster. A retired engineer who worked 20 years at Showa in Mt. Sterling, Chapman was described as a devoted family man who enjoyed target shooting, motorcycles and woodworking and who treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lancaster police were called that evening to a behavioral emergency at 1244 North Broad Street. Officers encountered an armed male suspect, and an officer-involved shooting followed. Two men inside the residence were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds: Chapman and his 48-year-old stepson-in-law, John Richard Varney. A woman outside the home was found with a gunshot wound to the head and taken to hospital in critical condition. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Kyle Varney, was taken into custody and hospitalized with critical injuries and faces charges including two counts of murder and six counts of felonious assault. Police said the suspect had a familial connection to the victims but did not elaborate.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent review of the officer-involved shooting while the Lancaster Police Department continues its homicide investigation. A Celebration of Life for Chapman was held on March 29, 2025; the family asked memorial gifts be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project. Does anyone have information about Chapman’s last known movements or the household at 1244 North Broad Street?