A tragic shooting in Rittman, Ohio, has left four people dead, including Christine McWilliams, her 13-year-old daughter McKinley McWilliams, Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, and the suspected gunman, Brandon Fazekas. The deadly incident, which unfolded on the night of July 5, 2026, also left four law enforcement officers injured and prompted a large multi-agency investigation led by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Authorities continue working to determine the full sequence of events that led to one of the most devastating incidents the Wayne County community has experienced in recent years.
Deadly Shooting Unfolds on Chippewa Trail
According to investigators, officers were dispatched to a residence on Chippewa Trail after receiving reports of a disturbance and gunfire.
When responding officers arrived, they immediately encountered additional gunfire, triggering a major emergency response involving the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Rittman Police Department, the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, and other assisting agencies.
During the incident:
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Christine McWilliams, 44, was fatally shot.
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McKinley McWilliams, 13, also lost her life.
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Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries was killed while responding to the emergency.
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The suspected gunman, Brandon Fazekas, was later found dead.
Four Medina County sheriff’s deputies suffered gunshot wounds. Officials said two deputies were hospitalized in stable condition, while two others were treated at the scene and later released.
Authorities also confirmed that a Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 sustained serious injuries during the response.
What Investigators Have Confirmed
Officials have verified the following information:
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The shooting occurred in Rittman, located in Wayne County, Ohio.
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Christine McWilliams and her daughter McKinley died before officers secured the scene.
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Sgt. Scott Ries was killed while responding to the emergency call.
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Brandon Fazekas has been identified as the suspected shooter.
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Four deputies were wounded during the incident.
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The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading the investigation.
Investigation Remains Active
Detectives continue processing evidence as they work to establish a complete timeline of the shooting.
Investigators are:
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Examining forensic evidence collected from the scene.
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Interviewing witnesses and responding officers.
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Reviewing available surveillance and digital evidence.
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Reconstructing the sequence of events.
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Determining the circumstances that led to the deadly violence.
Officials have not yet released a comprehensive investigative report, saying additional information will be provided as evidence is analyzed.
Sgt. Scott Ries Remembered for His Service
Sgt. Scott Ries, a veteran officer with the Rittman Police Department, has been remembered by colleagues and community leaders for his dedication to public service.
Tributes from fellow officers, residents, and local officials have recognized his commitment to protecting the community and his years of service in law enforcement.
Community Mourns the Victims
The tragedy has deeply affected residents throughout Rittman and the surrounding region.
Community members have begun leaving flowers, candles, and messages of support while offering condolences to the families of Christine McWilliams, McKinley McWilliams, Sgt. Scott Ries, and everyone impacted by the shooting.
Local leaders have also expressed gratitude to the first responders who risked their lives during the incident.
What Is Still Unknown
While investigators have confirmed the identities of those who died, several important questions remain unanswered.
Authorities are still working to determine:
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The precise motive behind the shooting.
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The complete timeline leading up to the incident.
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Whether additional evidence will clarify how events unfolded.
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Whether further investigative findings will be released by BCI.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely only on verified information released through law enforcement agencies.
Investigation Continues
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation remains responsible for processing the crime scene and leading the investigation into the fatal shooting.
As detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, additional verified updates are expected regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Christine McWilliams, McKinley McWilliams, Sgt. Scott Ries, and Brandon Fazekas.