Crime
Brandon Fazekas Identified as Suspect in Rittman Shooting That Killed Sgt. Scott Ries, Christine McWilliams, and 13-Year-Old McKinley McWilliams
RITTMAN, Ohio — Authorities have identified Brandon Fazekas, 38, as the suspect in the deadly shooting in Rittman, Ohio, that left four people dead, including a veteran police sergeant, a mother, and her teenage daughter, while also injuring four SWAT officers and a police K-9
The Wayne County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Fazekas was found dead inside the residence where the shooting unfolded Sunday night.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading the ongoing investigation into the officer-involved critical incident.
According to investigators, the incident began at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when Rittman Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired at a residence in the 90 block of Chippewa Trail.
When officers arrived, they were immediately met with gunfire, prompting a large-scale response involving the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said four people died during the incident:
Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, a veteran officer with the Rittman Police Department who was killed in the line of duty. Ries had served with the department for 10 years and was promoted to sergeant in 2023.
Christine McWilliams, 44, identified as Fazekas’ former partner.
McKinley McWilliams, Christine’s 13-year-old daughter.
Brandon Fazekas, 38, the suspected gunman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have not yet released details regarding how Fazekas died.
In addition to the fatalities, four members of the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team were struck by gunfire while responding to the active shooter incident.
Officials said:
Two deputies were transported to a local hospital and remain in stable condition.
Two additional deputies were treated at the scene for injuries and later released.
Authorities have not released the identities of the injured officers.
During the exchange of gunfire, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Vick, a Belgian Malinois, was also shot while assisting law enforcement officers.
According to Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger, the bullet struck Vick in the rear hip before fragmenting, with one fragment lodging dangerously close to the dog’s spine.
Vick remains in serious condition at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Copley Township, where veterinarians are focused on stabilizing him before determining whether surgery can safely be performed.
Sheriff Ballinger described Vick as “a very valuable asset” to the department and praised the K-9’s unwavering loyalty to both his handler and fellow deputies.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the Rittman community and law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio.
On Monday afternoon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered that U.S. and Ohio flags at all public buildings in Wayne County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower be lowered to half-staff in honor of Sgt. Scott Ries. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of his funeral.
A law enforcement procession honoring Sgt. Ries was held Monday, followed by a community vigil outside the Rittman Police Department. Local schools and community organizations are also providing support to the McWilliams family during this difficult time.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) continues to process the scene, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to one of the deadliest incidents in recent Wayne County history.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding a possible motive, and the investigation remains active.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office noted that its K-9 program is funded separately from its operating budget.
Officials continue to ask for patience as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of Sgt. Scott Ries, Christine McWilliams, McKinley McWilliams, and Brandon Fazekas while leaving multiple officers and K-9 Vick injured.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.