A former Southington man who was serving thirty years to life in prison for murdering his stepfather and wounding his mother has died from an apparent suicide.

An official with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections tells 21 News that 39-year-old Thomas Starr died on Thursday at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. 

Although the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the death, the ODRC says it appears Starr took his own life.

Starr pleaded guilty in 2014 to aggravated murder, attempted murder, and two counts of felonious assault.

Authorities say Starr killed his stepfather Jeffery Westfall and wounded his mother Lisa Fry during a knife attack at the couple’s home on the night of June 22, 2013.

Starr would not have been eligible for parole until 2045.