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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.