A father in Ohio shot and killed his 24-year-old daughter during an argument that allegedly centered around smoking in the house. The incident occurred early on a Monday morning, and the father, Franklin Thompson, 64, was later found walking a block away from his home with the murder weapon still in his pocket. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Thompson’s daughter, Heather Thompson, was found by her 18-year-old sister with a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities report that Thompson fired multiple rounds at his daughter during the altercation. The argument reportedly involved smoking in the house, although it is unclear who was smoking at the time. Thompson admitted to shooting his daughter several times during a verbal confrontation when questioned by detectives.
Thompson was found near his home, located in Sycamore Township, a suburb of Cincinnati. Police were able to arrest him after discovering him with the gun, and he was taken into custody without incident. Prosecutors expressed concern about his lack of remorse, noting that Thompson showed “zero remorse” when being interviewed by police. They also raised concerns about the potential danger he posed to others, emphasizing that if he was capable of such violence against his own daughter, it was worrying to consider what he might do to a stranger if released.
Neighbors described Thompson as a “nice guy” with no known history of violence. However, authorities noted that he had recently undergone a brain operation, which may have caused some lingering issues, though the specifics of those issues remain unclear. Despite his previously non-violent reputation, Thompson’s actions on that day shocked those who knew him.
Thompson and his daughter, along with her sister, had been living together at the family home. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. on Monday. While neighbors expressed sadness over the tragic event, they recalled Thompson as a welcoming and kind neighbor when they first moved into the area.
Thompson’s criminal history includes minor traffic infractions, a 2023 arrest for trespassing at a local grocery store, and a 2003 charge for stealing cable television. His ex-wife, who divorced him in 2016, accused him of abuse, though he was never arrested for any incidents related to domestic violence. This background adds complexity to the situation, as it paints a picture of a man with a history of issues but no prior indication of violent tendencies toward his family.
The community remains in shock over the tragedy, with many struggling to understand how such an event could occur in what had appeared to be a normal family setting. Thompson was ordered to be held on a $1 million bond during his first court appearance. A grand jury hearing has been scheduled for February 6, where further legal proceedings will take place.
This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, even when there are no prior warning signs. The argument over smoking, which may have seemed trivial to outsiders, escalated into a deadly confrontation that will forever alter the lives of those involved. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the underlying causes of this tragic event and ensuring that justice is served for the victim.
