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Russell family shooting

SOLVED1925Hamilton, Ohio2 SOURCESUPDATED JUL 2026
Illustrative

On June 4, 1925, authorities accused 43-year-old Francis Lloyd Russell of fatally shooting eight members of his family in Hamilton, Ohio, most while they slept. The victims were his mother, his brother, his brother's wife, and five of their children. One 10-year-old daughter survived unharmed after hiding under a bed.

Available accounts reported that two firearms were used and approximately 50 shots were fired.

Afterward, Russell suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left lung and survived. Authorities reported that he spoke incoherently about a mortgage on the home and said he would shoot pictures off the wall.

Authorities charged Francis Lloyd Russell with murder.

Key facts

Victims
Russell's brother, Russell's brother's wife, Russell's mother
Date
1925
Location
Hamilton, Ohio
Case status
solved

Case timeline

No timeline entries are attached yet.

Best coverage

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People

  • Russell's brother

    VICTIM

    Brother of Francis Lloyd Russell, killed in the shooting

  • Russell's brother's wife

    VICTIM

    Sister-in-law of Francis Lloyd Russell, killed in the shooting

  • Francis Lloyd Russell

    CHARGED

    43-year-old man accused of fatally shooting eight family members; described as having become violently insane; survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound

  • Russell's mother

    VICTIM

    60-year-old mother of Francis Lloyd Russell, killed in the shooting

Roles reflect public records and court outcomes at the time of writing — supporting citations are on file under Sources.

Places

Hamilton, Ohio

39.3995, -84.5613

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Common questions

What happened to the victim?
On June 4, 1925, Francis Lloyd Russell was charged with murder after authorities accused him of shooting and killing eight members of his family, most while they slept, in Hamilton, Ohio; he survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Where did the shooting happen?
Hamilton, Ohio.
What is the current status of the case?
Status: solved. Last verified July 2026.
More cases in Ohio

Sources

  1. PRESSThe 1900s: 100 Years of Butler County HistoryCincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library · 2026-07-11
  2. ENCYCLOPEDICRussell family shootingWikipedia · 2026-07-10

Record history

Last verified against sources
JUL 13, 2026

  1. JUL 13, 2026Correction

    Catalog QA: Added the documented shooting date.