Odie Sanders, Rickita Washington Obituary, Death – Fort Wayne authorities have confirmed that a man and woman discovered dead over the weekend died in a murder-suicide. The Allen County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 46-year-old Odie Sanders and 38-year-old Rickita Washington. Their bodies were found on Saturday morning, around 9:30 a.m., at a residence located in the 9300 block of Morning Light Trail. This address is within the Maysville Landing Apartments, situated on the city’s east side.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving reports of a possible shooting inside the home. Upon entry, they found both Sanders and Washington unresponsive, each suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel determined they were deceased at the scene.
Following autopsies and investigative findings, the coroner’s office ruled Washington’s death a homicide. Authorities concluded she had been fatally shot by Sanders before he turned the gun on himself, leading to his death by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
While the exact circumstances leading up to the fatal encounter have not been disclosed, police have confirmed that the case is being treated as a domestic-related incident. No additional suspects are being sought, as investigators believe no one else was involved.
Details such as the possible motive, any prior history between the two, or the events immediately preceding the shootings have not been released. Law enforcement has also not specified whether anyone else was present in the apartment at the time or if there were any prior calls for service at the location.
Authorities said the investigation remains open, with detectives continuing to gather evidence and speak with individuals who knew the victims. This includes reviewing any available witness statements, examining potential surveillance footage from the area, and collecting forensic evidence from the scene.
Neighbors in the Maysville Landing community have expressed shock over the deaths, describing the incident as tragic and unsettling. The complex, typically known for its quiet environment, has been the focus of police presence since the shooting, as crime scene investigators processed the apartment for several hours on Saturday.
Officials have not shared funeral arrangements or family statements, but community members have begun offering condolences online. Domestic violence advocacy groups in the area have reiterated the importance of seeking help in volatile or potentially dangerous relationships, noting that tragedies like this can sometimes be prevented through early intervention and support.
As of Tuesday’s update, law enforcement emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. The focus now is on closing the investigation, supporting the victims’ families, and ensuring all relevant details are documented in the official case report.
The deaths of Odie Sanders and Rickita Washington serve as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of resources for those in crisis. Authorities have encouraged anyone experiencing or aware of abuse to reach out to local hotlines or law enforcement for assistance before situations escalate to fatal outcomes.
