Police say Elijah Ray McCulloch is charged with murder after Alexander Metcalf Sr. was killed May 15.
CINCINNATI, Ohio — A Green Township homicide case has left one family grieving two deaths after police said a 22-year-old man strangled his grandfather, who relatives said had been staying with him to provide care.
Elijah Ray McCulloch is charged with aggravated murder and murder in the death of Alexander Metcalf Sr. His bond was set at $2 million, and he is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center. Police said the killing happened May 15 at a Green Township home.
Family members said Metcalf Sr. had gone to the home to support McCulloch after McCulloch found his own father dead a few days earlier. Alexander Metcalf Jr., the victim’s son, said his father stayed overnight with McCulloch because the family was worried about him. McCulloch had been scheduled for a mental health appointment Friday, Metcalf Jr. said, but that appointment was canceled.
Court records say McCulloch used a belt to choke Metcalf Sr. before leaving the home. Records also say McCulloch fled because he knew officers would be called and was trying to hide. Police have not said what led up to the attack, and relatives said they still do not know exactly why it happened.
Metcalf Jr. said his father had always been devoted to his family. He called him loving and generous, saying there was little he would not do for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The son said that care is what placed Metcalf Sr. in the home during the final days of his life.
The deaths have forced the family to mourn McCulloch’s father and Metcalf Sr. at the same time. Metcalf Jr. said he hopes the case draws attention to mental health and addiction struggles, while also making clear that his father’s actions came from love for his grandson.
McCulloch’s case is scheduled to return to court May 26. The charges remain allegations unless proven in court, and police have not released additional details about any prior calls to the home.
For now, relatives are left with the memory of a grandfather who tried to help during a family crisis. “He was there because nobody else was,” Metcalf Jr. said.
Author note: Last updated May 20, 2026.