Wife made frantic call before Ohio family killings

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Investigators say a northern Ohio woman made a desperate call to a friend just before her husband shot and killed her and their three children.

Deputies say the woman was crying and yelling “No!” before the voicemail message ended.

About 20 minutes later, investigators say Alan Atwater called 911 to say that he had killed his wife and kids and that he was getting ready to kill himself.

Deputies found all five bodies in their farmhouse southeast of Toledo on April 16.

Reports released by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s show the couple’s marriage had had been in trouble the last few years.

One friend told investigators that Atwater said he’d kill his wife if she ever left him. Another said Atwater was hopeful they could stay together.