Crime
Vincent Stoetzel Identified as Employee Killed in Shooting at Carter Lumber Facility in Mason
MASON, Ohio — A workplace shooting at a Carter Lumber manufacturing facility in Mason on Wednesday afternoon left one employee dead and ended with the arrest of a former employee who now faces a murder charge, authorities said.
The victim has been identified as Vincent Stoetzel, a young father who was fatally shot while working inside the company’s door manufacturing facility.
According to the Mason Police Department, officers responded at approximately 1:15 p.m. to a report of an employee being shot inside a warehouse at the Carter Lumber facility on Reading Road.
When officers arrived, they located Stoetzel suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite the emergency response, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police immediately secured the area and launched a homicide investigation.
Later Wednesday evening, Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell announced that David Cohen, 34, had been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.
Authorities said Cohen, who is a former Carter Lumber employee, was taken into custody a short time after the incident and booked into the Warren County Jail.
He has been formally charged with murder.
Investigators have not yet released additional information regarding Cohen’s employment history with the company or a possible motive for the shooting. The investigation remains active.
Following the deadly workplace violence, Carter Lumber confirmed that one of its employees had been killed at the Mason manufacturing facility and said it is fully cooperating with investigators.
In a statement, the company said:
“We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and are providing every assistance possible to the authorities. Because the investigation is active and out of respect for those affected, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”
The company also expressed sympathy for the victim’s loved ones and coworkers.
“Our deepest condolences are with our employee’s family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We are focused on supporting our employees and everyone impacted by this tragic event.”
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal workplace shooting, including what led up to the incident.
Authorities have not announced whether additional charges may be filed or released further details about the events that preceded the shooting.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Mason Police Department.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.