Authorities have released new details about Brandon Fazekas, the 38-year-old Wayne County man identified as the suspected gunman in the deadly shooting that unfolded in Rittman, Ohio, on the night of Sunday, July 5, 2026. The tragic incident claimed the lives of four people, including a veteran police officer, a mother, her teenage daughter, and Fazekas himself, while leaving four sheriff’s deputies wounded.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) continues to lead the investigation as officials work to determine the full sequence of events surrounding one of the deadliest incidents the community has experienced in recent years.
Deadly Shooting Began with a Reported Break-In
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and officers were dispatched to the 90 block of Chippewa Trail in Rittman at approximately 9:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a break-in and gunfire at a residence.
When responding officers arrived, they immediately came under gunfire, triggering a large multi-agency law enforcement response involving local police departments, sheriff’s deputies, tactical units, and emergency medical personnel.
Authorities secured the neighborhood while officers worked to rescue victims, assist the wounded, and locate the suspected shooter.
Brandon Fazekas Identified as the Suspect
Investigators identified Brandon Fazekas, 38, of Wayne County, as the suspected gunman.
According to the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, Fazekas died from a gunshot wound consistent with suicide. Investigators have not indicated that officers fired the fatal shot, and the coroner’s preliminary findings suggest he died from a self-inflicted injury.
Officials have not publicly released additional details regarding his background or possible motive.
Relationship to the Victims
Investigators believe Fazekas was either the current boyfriend or former boyfriend of Christine McWilliams, one of the victims killed during the incident.
Authorities have not released additional information about the nature of the relationship or whether there had been previous domestic violence reports connected to the individuals involved. Detectives continue examining evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
Victims Identified
Officials confirmed that the shooting claimed the lives of four people:
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Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, who was fatally shot while responding to the emergency call.
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Christine McWilliams, 43, who was killed at the residence.
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McKinley McWilliams, 13, Christine’s daughter.
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Brandon Fazekas, the suspected gunman.
Sgt. Ries, a respected member of the Rittman Police Department, was remembered by colleagues and community leaders for his decade of dedicated service and commitment to protecting the public.
Four Deputies and Police K-9 Injured
In addition to the fatalities, four Medina County Sheriff’s deputies were wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Authorities reported that:
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Two deputies were transported to nearby hospitals, where they were listed in stable condition.
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Two additional deputies were treated for less serious injuries.
Officials also confirmed that Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Vick was shot during the incident and remains in serious condition while receiving veterinary care.
Investigation Continues
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case to ensure an independent review of the officer-involved shooting and the broader incident.
Investigators continue working to:
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Establish a complete timeline of events.
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Process forensic evidence from the residence.
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Review ballistic evidence and firearms recovered at the scene.
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Interview responding officers and civilian witnesses.
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Examine digital evidence and communications.
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Determine the events leading up to the deadly confrontation.
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released once facts have been verified.
Community Mourns Tragic Loss
The shootings have devastated the close-knit community of Rittman, where residents continue mourning the deaths of Sgt. Scott Ries, Christine McWilliams, and 13-year-old McKinley McWilliams.
Community members have organized memorials and tributes honoring the victims, while local officials have expressed gratitude for the responding law enforcement officers who risked their lives during the incident.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, though investigators remain at work gathering evidence and reconstructing the events that led to the tragedy.
Ongoing Updates
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues processing evidence and interviewing witnesses as detectives seek to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the deadly Rittman shooting.
Additional updates, including any newly released investigative findings, will be provided as officials continue their examination of the case.