Ohio police: Man kills adoptive father, 2 others

updated 11:20 a.m. ET Jan. 25, 2009

CINCINNATI - Police near Cincinnati said a troubled young man has killed his adoptive father and two others.

Authorities in Ohio's Hamilton County have charged 26-year-old Timothy Sturgel with three counts of murder in the Saturday shooting deaths of 51-year-old Jerry Sturgel, 40-year-old Mary Sturgel and 13-year-old Emily Hurst.

Officials said Hurst can be heard on a 911 call screaming that her stepbrother just shot her stepfather. The phone went dead after what sounds like a struggle.

Police said they arrested Sturgel after finding him at the house holding a long-barreled weapon.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokesman Steve Barnett said it appears that Sturgel also started a fire at the house.

There was no immediate word Sunday whether Sturgel had a lawyer.

More from msnbc.com FirstPerson: Reasons why readers are thankful Elkhart Project: Money pours in, pet adoptions increase Swine flu fears for hajj pilgrims 570,000 pager messages from 9/11 released   Silver Lining: Tales of struggle and hope On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Dad gets 3 years for stealing fire truck Arsenal found at ex-doctor's Ohio apartment Nurse anesthetist accused of abuse 4 bodies found in suburban Chicago home Anti-gang worker jailed for robbing rapper Court OKs Dec. 8 execution in Ohio Census worker killed himself, police say Police release sketch of L.A. serial killer Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: