A domestic dispute in Ohio turned deadly Wednesday evening when a man allegedly shot and killed two young children and another adult before taking his own life, police said.
Ryan Eagon, 42, fatally shot his two children and another adult before taking his own life around 6:24 p.m. in the 100 block of Huss Street, according to the Tiffin Police Department. The killing has devastated the small Ohio community and brought in an outpouring of support for those affected.
The children's mother, who survived the attack unharmed, called 911 and carried her wounded sons back inside the home before officers arrived. Her identity is being protected under Marsy's Law, a state statute that shields crime victims from public disclosure.
The mother had arranged to retrieve belongings from the home, where she and her husband Eagon had lived. She was moving out "following ongoing domestic issues," police said.
Believing Eagon was working out of town, she had asked Dustin Willey, 29—the biological father of her older son—to help her collect her possessions. The two were inside the home gathering items while the children were outside near a vehicle.
"After hearing the 7-year-old cry out, they went to check on him and observed Ryan Eagon in the driveway," police said.
Police said that Eagon immediately chased Willey, pushing past the children's mother and firing multiple shots.
Eagon then shot his gun at the children before shooting Willey multiple times. He then turned the gun on himself and died from a single shot.
Willey was taken to Tiffin Mercy Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The 7-month-old infant was pronounced dead at the scene. The 7-year-old was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries despite intensive medical intervention, officials said.
No officers discharged their firearms during the response, and no law enforcement personnel were injured.
The tragedy has brought forth an extraordinary mobilization of community resources. A vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday at East Green, 155 E. Market St., to provide support and foster unity among those grieving.
In a statement on Thursday, the Tiffin Police Department reflected on the community's response, noting: "This has been a week none of us ever expected and one we will never forget. When something this unimaginable and tragic happens here in Tiffin, it shakes not just the department, but our entire community."
Police said residents have responded with "hundreds and hundreds of emails, texts, phone calls, messages, and comments. Prayers. Well-wishes. Kind words. And food… a lot of food."
The department acknowledged the toll the incident has taken on first responders, medical personnel, educators, and residents alike. "Resources for grief support and counseling are being coordinated for anyone affected," the police department said.
The Tiffin Police Department is spearheading the investigation with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Seneca County Coroner's Office. Autopsies are pending.
Authorities have declined to release identifying information about the minor victims out of respect for the families involved. Additional details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
.png)
0 Comments