Crime
Richard Eastin and Amanda Leigh Wakut Found Shot Dead in Lakewood Home, Suspect Stephen Davis Dies by Suicide Following Police Pursuit
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — A tragic homicide investigation is underway after two people were found fatally shot inside a Lakewood residence early Sunday morning, while the suspected gunman died by suicide following a brief police pursuit and standoff, according to authorities.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Richard Eastin, 35, of Cleveland, and Amanda Leigh Wakut, 33, of Lakewood.
The suspected shooter was identified as Stephen Davis, 45, of Fairview Park.
According to the Lakewood Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 4:26 a.m. on June 21, 2026, to a residence in the 2100 block of Chesterland Avenue after Davis reportedly contacted his ex-wife and told her that he had shot two people inside the home and intended to take his own life.
The alarming call prompted an immediate response from law enforcement officers, who began searching the area surrounding the residence.
While responding to the neighborhood, officers observed a dark-colored pickup truck leaving the area at a high rate of speed.
Police attempted a traffic stop, but the driver continued through Lakewood, leading officers on a short pursuit before eventually stopping near 1280 Warren Road.
Authorities said Davis exited the truck armed with a handgun and immediately placed the weapon to his head.
Lakewood police officers spent several minutes attempting to negotiate with Davis and convince him to surrender peacefully.
According to investigators, Davis ignored repeated commands to put down the weapon. During the standoff, he reportedly attempted to contact both his estranged wife and his daughter by phone.
Police said officers continued efforts to de-escalate the situation and encouraged Davis to surrender, but after several minutes he raised the firearm to his head and fatally shot himself.
Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Following the standoff, officers returned to the Chesterland Avenue residence where they discovered the bodies of Amanda Leigh Wakut and Richard Eastin inside the kitchen area of the home.
Both victims had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released details regarding the exact number of shots fired or the specific circumstances surrounding the killings.
Investigators confirmed that Amanda Wakut and Stephen Davis had been in a dating relationship for approximately one year.
Police said the pair had reportedly attended an event together earlier in the day and witnesses indicated there were no obvious signs of conflict or distress before the shootings.
Detectives are still working to determine the relationship between Richard Eastin and the other individuals involved.
At this time, authorities have not publicly explained why Eastin was present at the residence or how he was connected to Davis and Wakut.
Lakewood police say a motive has not yet been determined.
Investigators have interviewed multiple witnesses who described the couple as appearing to get along earlier in the day, leaving detectives searching for answers about what triggered the deadly violence.
Police also stated that officers had only previously responded to the residence once for an argument involving the couple.
No reports of disturbances or unusual activity were received from neighbors on the night of the shootings.
The Lakewood Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the apparent double homicide and subsequent suicide.
Detectives are reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and examining the relationships between those involved in an effort to establish a timeline and determine what led to the deadly events that unfolded Sunday morning.
Authorities have not announced any additional findings as the investigation remains ongoing.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.