Three Ethiopian immigrants dead in Ohio — authorities say ‘romantic interest’ played a big role

Content warning: This article describes suicide and intimate partner violence. Please take care while reading.

A brutal triple murder-suicide has rocked a Cincinnati, Ohio, neighborhood. Authorities say the perpetrator, 26-year-old Samuel Tyler Ericksen, was motivated in part by a romantic interest in one of his victims.

According to Cincinnati police, on August 31, Ericksen fatally shot three young Ethiopian immigrants — sisters Eden Adugna, 22, and Feven Adugna, 20, and their friend Bemnet Deresse, 27 — in an apartment on Beacon Street in Mt. Washington on Cincinnati’s east side. Authorities say Ericksen then died by suicide.

In the weeks leading up to the killings, one of the women, Eden, made 911 calls reporting Ericksen’s concerning behavior, including a message he allegedly sent: “I have scheduled this message to send for after I’m dead, so you don’t have to worry about me anymore.” She also reported that Ericksen had purchased a gun.

Police say these warnings were handled: after Eden’s calls, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responded, and a mental health crisis team was involved. However, the tragic incident still occurred.

Victims’ background and community reaction

The three victims were described by friends and family as hardworking and polite with bright futures. Members of their community and family said the sisters had moved to the United States in recent years, seeking educational and career opportunities.

In statements, their families mourned deeply and expressed anguish not only at the loss of lives, but also at what they see as missed opportunities to intervene. They asked why earlier reports of harassment or warning signs were not taken more seriously.

Cincinnati Police have confirmed the scene is being treated as a murder-suicide, not a hate crime. While at least two of the victims were sisters who had immigrated from Ethiopia, police say there is no evidence that the motive was racially driven.

Investigators are reviewing the earlier 911 calls to understand whether system gaps failed to prevent the violence. According to Ohio news outlet WLWT, calls for reform in how romantic or dating violence is identified and addressed have increased in Ohio, particularly after this case.

Authorities say the investigation remains open, including a probe into whether earlier interventions could have altered the outcome. Mental health advocates, domestic violence organizations, and community leaders are pushing for better awareness, resources, and protocols when victims report danger.