N※N

Las Vegas Connection Emerges in Doctor's Murder Case

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. -connection-emerges-in-doctor-s-murder-case.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 19:17 GMT by KTNV Las Vegas
      Locale: Nevada, UNITED STATES

LAS VEGAS, NV - February 7, 2026 - The chilling case of Thomas Zahnle, the 51-year-old doctor accused of murdering his ex-wife and an Ohio dentist, has taken a new turn with emerging details linking him to Las Vegas. As authorities in Columbus, Ohio continue to build their case, investigators are now meticulously examining Zahnle's six-year residency in Southern Nevada, seeking clues to his motives and potential preparation for the alleged crimes.

Zahnle stands accused of the brutal deaths of Barbara Becker, 48, his former spouse, and Dr. John Hanners, 57, a Columbus-area dentist. Becker was discovered deceased in her Columbus home on February 2nd, while Dr. Hanners was found dead at his dental practice on February 6th. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated at a press conference earlier this week that investigators believe Zahnle is responsible for both killings, and he remains in custody without bond.

The connection to Las Vegas surfaced through Zahnle's professional profile on LinkedIn, which details his tenure as an anesthesiologist at Valley Hospital Medical Center from 2011 to 2016. He also completed a residency at MountainView Hospital during the same period. This timeframe is now a focal point for both the Columbus Police Department and Las Vegas Metro Police, who are actively cooperating in the investigation.

Valley Hospital has confirmed Zahnle's past employment but has refrained from releasing any further details, citing the ongoing criminal investigation. This silence, while standard protocol, adds to the mystery surrounding Zahnle's time in Nevada. Investigators are reportedly reviewing personnel files, security footage, and interviewing former colleagues to piece together a comprehensive picture of Zahnle's behavior and any potential red flags that may have existed during his time at the hospital.

"We are assisting the Columbus Police Department with their investigation into the deaths of Barbara Becker and Dr. John Hanners," stated Officer Larry Hadfield, spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. "We are providing them with any information we may have that could be helpful to their investigation."

The scope of information being shared between departments remains undisclosed, but sources suggest detectives are exploring several key avenues. Was Zahnle involved in any significant personal relationships in Las Vegas? Did he maintain any financial or property holdings in the area? Were there any complaints or incidents during his medical practice that could shed light on his character or potential for violence? And crucially, did he establish any connections that may have factored into the Ohio murders?

The motive behind the alleged double murder remains unclear. Investigators are looking into the nature of Zahnle's relationship with Becker, as well as any potential connection between Becker and Dr. Hanners. Initial reports suggest the relationship between Zahnle and Becker was contentious, even after their divorce. Details regarding Dr. Hanner's connection to the case are still emerging, but reports indicate he may have been providing medical care to Becker.

Legal experts suggest that establishing a pattern of behavior, or demonstrating a history of violent tendencies, could be critical in securing a conviction. Zahnle's time in Las Vegas is therefore crucial. If investigators can uncover evidence suggesting he displayed concerning behavior during his residency - anger issues, stalking, or even less severe incidents - it could strengthen the prosecution's case. Conversely, a clean record could complicate matters.

Beyond the criminal investigation, the case has sparked conversations about domestic violence and the potential for escalating violence in divorce cases. Advocacy groups are urging individuals experiencing abuse to seek help and reminding the public that resources are available.

As of this reporting, Zahnle's attorney has yet to issue a statement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate further developments in both Ohio and Nevada in the coming days. The focus now shifts to meticulously reconstructing Zahnle's life, piece by piece, in an attempt to understand the events that led to these tragic deaths and bring those responsible to justice.