Crime
Two Victims Killed in Tiffin Murder-Suicide Identified as Dustin Willey and His Child Wrenn
TIFFIN, Ohio — Tiffin authorities have confirmed that four individuals, including two young children, were fatally shot in what investigators have determined to be a murder-suicide on Wednesday evening in the 100 block of Huss Street.
According to an official press release from the Tiffin Police Department, officers were dispatched to the residence at approximately 6:30 p.m. after multiple callers reported gunfire and screaming coming from the area.
Initial findings indicate the incident occurred during an attempt by the children’s mother to remove personal belongings from the home following ongoing domestic circumstances. Police reported that 29-year-old Dustin Willey, identified as the biological father of the woman’s oldest child, was assisting her in the move. The woman’s husband, 42-year-old Ryan Eagon, was initially believed to be out of town at the time.
Investigators say that prior to the shooting, Willey and the mother were inside the residence, while the children—a seven-year-old boy and a seven-month-old infant—were outside. Based on witness statements and physical evidence recovered at the scene, Eagon unexpectedly arrived at the home, confronted Willey, and pursued him into the driveway. Police state that Eagon forced his way past the mother before firing multiple rounds.
Authorities say Eagon first shot the two children and then Willey before turning the firearm on himself, resulting in an apparent self-inflicted fatal gunshot wound.
The seven-month-old infant and Eagon were pronounced deceased at the scene. Willey and the seven-year-old child were transported to a nearby hospital, where both later succumbed to their injuries.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has opened an inquiry into the case. Autopsies for all four deceased individuals will be conducted by the Seneca County Coroner in coordination with a forensic pathologist from the Lucas County Coroner’s Office.
Tiffin police confirmed that no officers discharged their weapons, and no law enforcement personnel were injured during the response.
Further updates will be released as the investigation continues.
Chief Pauly addressed the public, calling the incident “horrific and heartbreaking.”
“As a community, we are not accustomed to events of this horrific and heartbreaking nature in Tiffin. I ask all residents to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts as they face unimaginable loss. I also ask that our community keep first responders in their thoughts as they process the emotional toll of this tragedy.”
Neighbors described the incident as shocking and unexpected. Lisa Runion, who has lived beside the residence for four years, said she returned home from work to find her street blocked off by police.
“My heart is pounding. My heart is aching,” Runion said. “You never know what someone is going through. I never saw it coming.”
The City of Tiffin released an official statement Thursday morning acknowledging the trauma the event has caused throughout the community.
“This tragedy has deeply shaken our entire community,” the mayor wrote. “Our thoughts are with the family suffering this unimaginable loss. We are grateful to our officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and medical teams who responded with courage and compassion.”
Willey’s workplace also confirmed his and his son’s deaths in an emotional statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Dustin and his son’s passing. Dustin has been part of our Depot family since he was a teenager. Our hearts are broken. Thank you, Dustin, for your dedication and for sharing your beautiful son with us.”
Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting.
Additional details, including the identities of the second child and the suspected shooter, will be made public pending next-of-kin notification and completion of investigative procedures.
The City of Tiffin is planning grief-response efforts, including crisis counseling and community mental health support.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.