In Loving Memory of Lisa R. Anatra, 61, and Matthew Lindsey Anatra, 63 May Their Lives Be Remembered, and Their Families Find Peace
The community of Crestline, Ohio, is grieving deeply after a tragic and deeply unsettling discovery on November 19—a day that forever changed the lives of family, friends, and neighbors of Lisa R. Anatra and her husband, Matthew Lindsey Anatra. What began as a simple welfare check quickly unfolded into a heartbreaking double tragedy that has shaken the quiet town to its core.
At approximately 10 a.m., the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a concerned co-worker who reported that Lisa had not shown up for work that morning. Even more troubling, the caller mentioned seeing what appeared to be blood at her residence on 722 N. Henry St. Understanding the urgency, the call was immediately transferred to the Crestline Police Department, prompting a swift response.
Officers arrived at the home and, sensing something was very wrong, requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office. After forcing entry into the residence, law enforcement made a devastating discovery: 61-year-old Lisa R. Anatra was found deceased inside the home. Moments later, a second heartbreaking discovery followed. 63-year-old Matthew Lindsey Anatra, Lisa’s husband, was located deceased in the detached garage on the property.
These shocking events brought immense sorrow to the community and raised urgent questions. The Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office, the Coroner, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI&I) were contacted and arrived promptly to assist with the investigation.
As detectives worked through the early stages of the case, family members informed law enforcement that the couple’s 24-year-old relative, Maxwell L. Anatra, had been present at the home the previous night. Since then, no one had been able to reach him. This information quickly became a central piece of the unfolding investigation.
Further details soon emerged, suggesting Maxwell had traveled to Michigan earlier that morning and was possibly attempting to leave the country. Based on the evidence gathered and the urgency of the situation, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Maxwell on charges of murder. Detectives began coordinating with Homeland Security to locate and apprehend him before he could cross international borders.
Later that same evening, around 5:30 p.m., detectives received word from Homeland Security that Maxwell had been arrested by Canadian officials after crossing the border. He is currently being held in Michigan while arrangements are made to transport him back to Crawford County, where he will face the charges against him.
Meanwhile, investigators and forensic teams from Crawford County and BCI&I remained at the residence as late as 9:30 p.m., meticulously processing the scene and gathering evidence. The investigation remains active, and no further details have been released at this time.
Remembering Lisa and Matthew Anatra
In the midst of this tragic event, the lives of Lisa and Matthew deserve to be remembered with compassion, dignity, and love.
Lisa R. Anatra, 61, was cherished for her kindness, dedication, and warm spirit. A dependable colleague, loving family member, and loyal friend, she had a way of making others feel seen and valued. Her sudden loss leaves a void that cannot be filled.
Matthew Lindsey Anatra, 63, was known by those close to him as steady, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family. He shared a quiet strength and was a constant presence in the lives of loved ones. Together, he and Lisa built a life rooted in love, respect, and deep connection.
This tragedy not only marks a profound loss for their family but also casts a shadow across the entire community of Crestline. As neighbors and friends try to comprehend what happened, overwhelming grief is accompanied by an outpouring of support, prayer, and unity.
Holding the Family in Compassion
As this investigation continues, the community stands with the Anatra family—offering comfort, prayers, and strength during an unimaginably painful time. The loss of two beloved lives, combined with the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the case, leaves many searching for answers and healing.
Lisa and Matthew will forever be remembered not for the tragedy that ended their lives, but for the love, warmth, and goodness they shared with the world. Their memory lives on in the countless lives they touched and the legacy they leave behind.
May Lisa and Matthew Anatra rest in eternal peace.
May
