A 24-year-old man is behind bars in Michigan today after allegedly murdering his parents in their Ohio home and attempting to escape across the Canadian border.
Maxwell Anatra faces murder charges following a multi-agency investigation that spanned two states and an international crossing. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Anatra was detained by Canadian officials around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday after investigators flagged him as a flight risk.
The investigation began earlier that day in Crestline, a village situated between Cleveland and Columbus. A coworker of 61-year-old Lisa Anatra contacted police to request a welfare check, noting that she had missed work and that blood appeared to be visible at her residence.
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Upon arriving at the home on the 700 block of North Henry Street, deputies discovered the bodies of Lisa Anatra inside the house and her husband, 63-year-old Matthew Anatra, inside a detached garage. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific cause of death.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, family members reported that Maxwell had been at the home the previous night. As deputies processed the scene, they learned the suspect had traveled to Michigan and intended to leave the country.
Working in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, investigators secured an arrest warrant just as Anatra attempted to cross the border into Canada.
Anatra remains in custody in St. Clair County, Michigan. Authorities are currently arranging his extradition back to Ohio to face charges.
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