Shooter Recently Released From Jail On Domestic Violence Charges

"NEW PARIS, OH — Two people died after a domestic murder/suicide Monday night. The shooter, Brian Harleman, 43 and Samantha Carpenter, a 10-year-old girl, were killed and her mother Catherine Gessman, age 45, was seriously injured.

"The girl attended National Trail Local Schools.

"According to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson, at approximately 11:48 p.m., deputies responded to 7812 New Paris Gettysburg Rd., after receiving calls of shots being fired at the residence.

"Dispatchers received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting the incident.

"Gessman reported that she and her daughter had been shot, and that the shooter had shot himself. Deputies and EMS units arrived and found three people in the driveway, all with gunshot wounds.

"According to Simpson, the preliminary investigation indicates that Harleman forcibly entered the residence. He recently resided at the residence with Gessman and her daughter. After gaining entry to the residence, an altercation occurred. Gessman and her daughter fled the residence through a back door.

"Simpson said the suspect is believed to have chased them and fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking both Gessman and Carpenter.

"After shooting both victims, the suspect shot himself with the handgun, Simpson said.

"Harleman was pronounced dead at the scene. Carpenter was also pronounced dead at the scene. Geesman was transported to Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, by Northwest EMS, and later transferred to an Indianapolis hospital due to the seriousness of her injuries. At this time, her injuries are not believed to be life threatening, according to Simpson.

"Simpson said there is a history of domestic violence between the suspect and the girlfriend. Deputies responded to the residence on Wednesday, Dec. 17, regarding a domestic violence complaint.

"Harleman was arrested and charged with Domestic Violence last week. A protection order was issued by Preble County Common Pleas Court against Harleman. His bond was posted on Thursday, Dec. 18, and he was released from jail."

From dailyadvocate.com...

Shooter Dead At Scene, Two Wounded

"TOLDEO, OH — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting today in Sylvania Township as an attempted murder/suicide.

"David A. Eckhardt, 43, of 7160 Regents Park Blvd., shot his wife, Melissa Eckhardt, and his father, Richard C. Eckhardt, 71, and then turned the handgun on himself, said Sylvania Township police Det. Jim Rettig. The younger Mr. Eckhardt was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Mrs. Eckhardt and the elder Mr. Eckhardt were injured during the incident, which occurred at the couple’s residence on Regents Park, which is in the St. James Wood community, at about 9:15 a.m. The man’s mother was also at the house at the time of the shootings but was not injured herself, Detective Rettig said.

"One of the victims was taken to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, according to the Lucas County EMS. Their conditions have not been released.

"Detective Rettig said Mr. Eckhardt’s parents did not live in the home. He did not say why they were at the residence.

"The detective said the motive involved marital issues. He was checking into a report that police were called to the residence for an incident on Monday."

From the Toldeo Blade...

Killer Shoots Himself During Police Chase

"XENIA, OH — A Xenia man killed himself before police could apprehend him after a high-speed pursuit as part of an apparent murder/suicide.

"Earnest R. Starling Jr., 35, of Springfield, was shot and killed outside a home on East Church Street in Xenia about 1 a.m. Tuesday. The shooter, Chris Fonzi Jr., 31, reportedly came to that address, where his estranged wife lived, and displayed a handgun before forcing his way inside.

"Witnesses told Xenia police Starling and Fonzi argued in the home for several minutes. Fonzi fired several shots inside the home, then chased Starling outside, where he fired two more times. One of those bullets hit Starling in the torso, killing him, said Xenia Detective Scott Anger.

"Police released a description of the white truck Fonzi was seen fleeing in, and Greene County sheriff’s deputies located it on U.S. 35. A high-speed chase ensued, with speeds reaching up to 85 mph. The pursuit ended in Dayton after officers there used stop sticks on Terry Street to deflate the tires on Fonzi’s truck.

"After hitting the stop sticks, Anger said, Fonzi apparently shot himself in his truck. The vehicle hit an RTA pole near Fifth and Terry streets. Fonzi was taken to a hospital but died of the self-inflicted gunshot wound, Anger said. Officers recovered the weapon used in the shooting.

"Starling was visiting Fonzi’s estranged wife and her niece on Church Street when the shooting occurred, said police, who noted Fonzi used to live at that same address."

From the Dayton Daily News...

Killer Confesses To Sister Before Killing Himself

"SOMERSET, OH — Two Perry County residents are dead after a Monday night murder/suicide at 4200 Reading Township Road 146 in Somerset.

"According to Perry County Coroner Bradley Wilson, Jason Grubb, age unavailable, shot his long-time girlfriend Kelsey Crook, 27, three times with a .45-caliber handgun before turning the gun on himself.

"Grubb was found slumped over in an ottoman next to Crook's body with a `gunshot wound to the center of his forehead ... handgun in hand,` Wilson said.

"`This was a homicide committed by Mr. Grubb, followed by a suicide,` Wilson said.

"At 9:45 p.m., roughly 10 minutes before the suicide is thought to have taken place, Grubb reportedly called his sister and told her he'd murdered Crook and was about to kill himself, according to a 911 call. The sister went to the home, where she discovered Grubb and Crook."

From the Times Recorder...

Shooter In Intensive Care After Killing Mother Of Five

"DAYTON, OhH — Police believe a man fatally shot his wife early Wednesday then shot himself.

"Dayton Police Sgt. Jon Zimmerman [told reporters] officers were called to 412 Neal Avenue around 3:15 a.m.

"They found Ashia McFadden, 31, dead in an upstairs bedroom. Her husband who is identified on a 911 call as Ricardo Santiago, 31, was also shot. He is hospitalized in intensive care.

"Police [said] the investigation is being treated as an attempted murder/suicide.

"A 15-year-old daughter made the emergency call to 911 to report the shooting. She told officers Santiago shot her mother, then himself.

"Five children were in the home at the time of the shooting. They range in age from toddlers to teenagers. Police [said] they are now staying with other family members.

"Sgt. Zimmerman says officers responded to a domestic dispute at the same address less than a month ago. Previous police reports indicate calls for help when Santiago went missing in September for several days."

From wdtn.com...

Estranged Husband Returns To Kill Wife's Boyfriend, Self

"MILFORD, OH — Police have identified the two men who died Monday in an apparent murder suicide in Miami Township.

"John Waitas, 38, shot Robert Dyer before turning the gun on himself, according to a release from Miami Township Assistant Police Chief Mike Mills.

"Dyer, 35, lived with Waitas' estranged wife, Shannon Waitas, at a home on 5426 Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road. Waitas reportedly broke into the home around 5:50 a.m. and shot Dyer multiple times.

"Authorities say Waitas had a brief verbal encounter with his estranged wife before taking his own life. Shannon and three children in the home were not hurt in the incident.

"Miami Township Police were called to the residence last month when Waitas came to the home and refused to leave."

From 19actionnews.com...

Killer Confesses After Botched Suicide Bid

"CLEVELAND, OH — A 28-year-old man who jumped in front of a semi-truck before setting himself on fire in Lorain County Monday morning is now indicted on charges he killed his ex-wife before fleeing with their three children.

"Hugo Ramos, who is recovering at Metro Health Medical Center from what authorities say was a suicide attempt, stabbed his ex-wife, Glorimar Ramos-Perez, and now faces charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping, felonious assault, domestic violence and child endangering, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's office.

"Perez, 25, was found dead by Cleveland police Monday around 3 p.m. after state troopers responding to an incident along U.S. Route 20 in Pittsfield Township, told them to go to the Perez' home on Newark Avenue.

"There they forced their way in and found Perez.

"The children, ages 7, 4, and 1 were taken into custody by Lorain County Children Services."

From cleveland.com...

Man Finds Wife, Kids Shot In Home

"SPRINGFIELD, OH — Springfield police say all evidence leads investigators to believe that a woman shot her two sons then turned the gun on herself Monday morning in Springfield.

"`It’s a tragedy for this community and certainly a tragedy for the family,` said Springfield Police Chief Steve Moody. `Family members are clearly distraught.`

"Chief Moody says police were called to 727 Burt Street just before 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. He says the children’s father arrived at the home to take his sons to school. The father went into the house and found the two boys and their mother shot.

"Police arrived at the scene three minutes after Arthur Johnson called 911.

"The mother, 32-year-old Rachel Johnson, and 7-year-old Daylan Johnson were pronounced dead at the scene. 10-year-old Ayden Johnson was flown to Dayton Children’s Hospital where he died a short time later.

"Moody says the investigation is in its early stages, but he says it appears this is a case of murder/suicide. The coroner must make a final ruling."

Source: WDTN...

Welfare Check Reveals Bodies

"COLUMBUS, OH — Police said a man killed a woman before taking his own life inside a South Columbus home.

"Officers said 51-year-old Kathy Shonkwiler's son hadn't heard from his mother and asked police to check on her Lewis Road home Tuesday.

"When officers arrived, they say they found Shonkwiler and Troy Stone, 46, dead.

"Investigators believe Stone killed Shonkwiler and then himself."

From 10tv.com...

Elderly Shooter Survives Botched Suicide Bid

"AKRON, OH — An Akron man is accused of shooting and killing his 78-year-old wife before turning the gun on himself in a failed suicide attempt.

"Betty Harrison-Paxton was found dead early Tuesday inside the couple’s 1504 Peckham Street home. She suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was found on the floor inside her bedroom, authorities said.

"Her husband, John Paxton, 87, suffered what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin and lower jaw. He was being treated at Akron General Medical Center. His condition was not known, but he was expected to survive.

"Police say Mr. Paxton called 911 to report the shooting just before 9 a.m. He told police he shot his wife and himself and that he hopes he dies, police said.

"Akron paramedics had to force their way inside the home. Mrs. Paxton was found on a bedroom floor still dressed in night clothes. Mr. Paxton was found across the hall inside another bedroom, police said.

"A motive behind the alleged murder/suicide is not yet clear, police Detective Lt. David Whiddon said.

"Mrs. Paxton was in good physical health and the home she and her husband shared for nearly 20 years was well maintained,
police said. Mr. Paxton did become more reclusive in recent weeks, family members told police, and he may have been suffering the early onset of a mental illness.

"A year ago this month, police records show that officers were contacted by Summit County Veterans Services personnel after Mr. Paxton became upset about flooding inside his home and was threatening suicide.

"The couple was married July 23, 1994, according to court records.

"There have been no reports of domestic violence involving the couple, police said."

From ohio.com...

Motive In Death Of Couple A Mystery

"ELMWOOD PLACE, OH — A man and a woman are dead after an apparent murder/suicide in Elmwood Place.

"The discovery was made at about 11 p.m. Thursday at an apartment near 66th Street and Hasler Lane.

"Both victims had a single gunshot wound, according to police. Officers haven’t said who they believe pulled the trigger.

"Investigators said the son of the male victim came to the apartment and noticed something unusual, prompting him to call police. The victims were found dead in an upstairs apartment.

"Residents in the area came home to flashing lights and crime scene tape and said they were shocked to hear two people were dead just feet from their homes.

"Neighbors said police activity in the area is common but gun violence is not.

"`I’ve heard fights and possibly drug activity going on but I would never think there would be a murder/suicide happen,` resident Fred Radcliffe said.

"While the motive remains a mystery, this isn't the first time police have been called to the apartment.

"`We were here (Thursday) for a report of a stolen firearm; we don't know if that's connected to this at this point,` Elmwood Place Police Chief William Peskin said.

From wcpo.com...

One Dead, One Critical After SWAT Standoff

"DAYTON, OH — A woman is in critical condition after she was shot in the head by her husband in what Dayton police described as an attempted murder/suicide on Saturday.

"Police responded at approximately 10 a.m. to check on the welfare of a woman at the home in the 700 block of Hodapp Avenue.

"The officers called in reinforcements after hearing three distinct gunshots from inside the home, according to Assistant Police Chief Robert Chabali.

"Nearby roads and intersections were blocked and neighbors told to stay indoors as armed officers surrounded the home.

"After more than two hours with no contact, SWAT officers went inside and found a woman who had been shot at least once. The officers also discovered the body of a man who had apparently shot himself, Chabali said.

"The man was identified as 45-year-old Dustin Leonard, according to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office, and the victim is 38-year-old Jasmine Leonard.

"Chabali said they were married, but a temporary protection order was in place against Dustin Leonard.

"`We're hopeful the SWAT team was able to rescue her and save her life,` Chabali said.

"Jasmine Leonard was listed in critical condition Sunday night at Miami Valley Hospital, according to officials.

"The incident appears to be an attempted murder and suicide with Dustin Leonard the aggressor, shooting his wife and then turning the gun on himself, according to police. A semi-automatic handgun was found in the home."

Read more at the Dayton Daily News...

Dead Ohio Couple Had History Of Abuse

"MURRAY CITY, OH — The Hocking County Sheriff's office is investigating a murder-suicide in Murray City.

"Deputies were called to the home at 45569 Long Street Saturday afternoon.

"A neighbor said Robert Seeber, 52, shot his wife Lisa Seeber, 45, before shooting himself.

"Neighbors said the couple were married for years and had a history of alleged abuse.

"According to court documents, Robert Seeber was charged with domestic violence as recent as September.

"A neighbor said the couple's teenage daughter witnessed the shootings.

"She ran to a neighbor for help. That's when Hocking County deputies were dispatched to the scene.

"The couple had three children, according to neighbors."

From 10tv.com...

Son Dead, Mom On Life Support After "Unfortunate Incident"

"STRUTHERS, OH — A 23-year-old Struthers man is dead, and his mother remains on life support, following an apparent murder/suicide attempt at 433 Seventh St. late Thursday.

"According to Struthers police, Justin Slaven was found dead at the residence between 11 and 11:30 p.m. Thursday by his father, who discovered that his wife, 44-year-old Leslie Slaven, had shot herself as well. She remains at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

"Police Chief Tim Roddy called the incident `unfortunate,` explaining that `some type of mental issue` likely spurred the attempt. He added that the incident is still under investigation—and that its outcome depends on both the coroner’s findings and on Leslie Slaven’s condition.

"`Moms don’t arbitrarily just decide to kill themselves, then their kids,` Roddy said. `Very rarely do you see women do that.`"

From vindy.com...

Man Dead, Woman Critical After Attempted Murder/Suicide

"CLEVELAND, OH — A woman is in critical condition and a man is dead after what appears to be an attempted murder/suicide, according to police.

"Around 10:00 on Saturday night, family members found the woman inside her home on the 2200 block of E. 100th St. with a gunshot wound to her head.

"A man who lived in the home, who police suspect is the shooter, was also found with a gunshot wound to the head. He has been identified as 35-year-old Dushaun E Lee. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and police believe he shot himself.

"The female victim was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center and remains in critical condition.

"Early reports are that the two may have been romantically involved.

"Their identities have not been released, and Cleveland Police are still investigating."

From WKYC...

Gunshots In The Basement

"BROOKLYN, OH — Police here are investigating a suspected murder/suicide involving a husband and wife late Thursday night on Summer Lane.

"The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victims as Candice R. and Michael A. Incorvia. Candice was 31, and Michael was 29, the office said.

"The pair was found dead in the 4700 block of Summer Lane about 11:39 p.m., when Candice's 12-year-old child in the home called Brooklyn Police after hearing gunshots in the basement.

"Officers arrived and found the couple dead, both of apparent gunshot wounds to the head, a police release said.

"The two were married in 2005, according to Cuyahoga County Probate Court records."

From cleveland.com...

Shooter Commits Suicide In Church Parking Lot

"NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH — Police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide that happened along Siebert Hill Road in the New Philadelphia area.

"According to police, a woman called dispatch around 1:13 p.m. Wednesday saying her husband, Randy Wallick, was threatening to commit suicide in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church on the south side of New Philadelphia.

"The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene within 7 minutes. The caller further informed police that she believed her husband shot and killed Carter Ames. Police responded to that location as well.

"Policed said Wallick shot and killed Ames at the Seibert Hill Road location. Wallick then left the scene and drove to the parking lot of the church and turned the gun on himself.

"He was life flighted to Akron General at 1:56 p.m. and was pronounced dead at 3:28 p.m. as a result of a self-inflicted wound to the head.

"The weapon used was recovered immediately at the scene of the suicide.

"The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office and the coroner’s office will continue their investigation."

From wtov9.com...

Police Find Dead Couple In Home

"CLEVELAND, OH — The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man found dead in a West 125th Street residence Sunday.

"Officers were called to 3432 West 125 St. around 12:30 p.m. to reports of a possible murder/suicide. They found one dead male and one dead female inside when they arrived.

"The man has been identified as Peter Ogletree Jr., 24, of Cleveland.

"Police said the investigation is in the early stages, and information is still being gathered."

From fox8.com...

Four Dead In Ohio

"DEFIANCE, OH — Four people were found dead Thursday night in what Defiance County sheriff's deputies called a triple murder/suicide.

"Dead are Robert Garza, Sr.; his wife, Christine Garza; daughter, Zoila Garza, and granddaughter, Rebecca Garza. Their ages were not released.

"Deputies said Mr. Garza was the perpetrator, adding that they will continue to interview family members, neighbors, and friends.

"The family was last seen about 3 p.m. Wednesday. The bodies were discovered at a residence on 25237 Bowman Road, south of Defiance, by a family member who was checking on their welfare. Authorities were called about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Defiance is about 55 miles southwest of Toledo."

From the Toledo Blade...

Wife Shoots Husband In Parking Garage, Self In Emergency Room

"CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland Police have confirmed that a murder-suicide took place on Thursday evening at the MetroHealth Medical Center [map here].

"Authorities say that Terry Johnson, 58 of Berea, killed her husband, Donald Johnson, 61, in the hospital's parking garage, and then entered the Emergency Room around 4:40pm where she then shot herself. Hours later, her husband's body was found in a car where they also found a suicide note.

"She was kept on life support and died in the early morning hours on Friday."

Source: clevelandleader.com...