Update on murder of Deacon, wife in Ohio

NORTH ROYALTON (Fox 8) - North Royalton police are investigating a double homicide that left a husband and wife dead.

Police told FOX 8 Monday afternoon, the couple's 44-year-old son is in custody as a person of interest in their deaths. No charges have yet been filed.

Police said Dennis and Helen Lucak, each 72-years-old, died of multiple gunshot wounds inside their Harbour Light Drive home Saturday evening.

Dennis Lucak was a deacon at Archangel Michael Orthodox Church in Broadview Heights.

The Rev. Father John Memorich issued the following statement on behalf of the church Monday:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Protodeacon Dennis and Helen Lucak. They were both longtime members of our parish community and active in our clubs and organizations.

Obviously, this is shocking, and most distressing news. We ask all of you to pray for their souls and for the peace of their family.

May the Kingdom of God be theirs and may their Memory Be Eternal!

Out of respect to their family wishes, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Loeding said a relative went to the couple's home to check on the Sunday afternoon after they did not show up for a church function.

When there was no answer, investigators said the relative reported it to the North Royalton police station around 6:45 p.m. and police officers responded and entered the home.

Officers found the couple dead in an upstairs bedroom, Loeding said.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting in the investigation.

In an email to church members late Sunday, Father John Memorich wrote of the homicides, "obviously this is shocking, and most distressing news, and we ask all of you to pray for their souls and for the peace of their family."