Dodge County Officials say deaths were result of murder suicide

More information has been released in the double death investigation in the Columbus area after two people were found deceased at two different locations.

According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, a Columbus Police Officer was dispatched to Prairie Ridge Health at 1515 Park Avenue in Columbus for a report of a man outside the entrance with a gun.

As the officer arrived it was reported that the man had shot himself in the emergency room waiting area. Life saving efforts were attempted by medical staff but the man passed away.

As a result of this incident, Columbus Police Officers requested that Dodge County Deputies respond to the individual’s residence in Dodge County, to check on the status of the man’s wife.

Officers arrived at the Oak Grove Drive address and located a female deceased in the home.

Investigation to this point has led authorities to believe that 85 year old David Zittel shot his wife, Susan Zittel, in the Oak Grove Drive house. He then went to Prairie Ridge Health, entered the lobby, and shot himself. No other individuals are believed to be involved in the incident. The incident continues to be investigated by both departments.