Crime
Update on Darke County fatal shooting and crash incident, victim and suspect identified
Greenville, OH – March 2025 – Following further investigation and information released by Darke County Coroner Dr. Susan Brown, Sheriff Mark Whittaker has provided an updated account of the violent events that unfolded on Thursday, resulting in a double homicide and a high-speed chase ending in a fatal crash.
Authorities now confirm that Josiah “Joe” Maloon, 57, of 2535 State Route 571, Greenville, OH, brutally beat and fatally shot his wife, Juanita Maloon, 53, at their residence.
The Darke County Coroner’s Office has ruled Juanita Maloon’s cause of death as a homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., Randy Ward II, 47, of Ansonia, OH, arrived at the Maloon residence at the request of Joe Maloon for a transaction.
Upon arrival, Ward followed Maloon’s instructions to retrieve cash from his vehicle.
It was at this moment that Joe Maloon emerged from his home and opened fire, discharging multiple rounds at Ward.
Ward attempted to escape by running to his vehicle, but was struck by gunfire multiple times. Despite his injuries, he managed to flee in his Dodge Challenger.
Joe Maloon pursued him in a Nissan Pathfinder SUV, continuing to fire shots while also ramming Ward’s vehicle in an attempt to force him off the road.
The high-speed pursuit ended when both vehicles crashed into opposite fields.
Maloon’s SUV overturned multiple times, ejecting him from the vehicle.
He was found unconscious and unresponsive at the scene and was later declared deceased due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Meanwhile, Ward, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was treated at the scene and airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital via CareFlight.
His current condition remains unknown.
Investigators recovered a handgun near Maloon at the crash scene, which is believed to be the weapon used in both the murder of Juanita Maloon and the attempted murder of Randy Ward.
Further forensic analysis will be conducted to confirm this finding.
Additionally, spent shell casings and a white powdery substance in packaging were discovered in the driveway of 2535 State Route 571, where the initial shooting occurred.
These items will be forensically examined to determine their nature and relevance to the case.
The Darke County Sheriff’s Office and multiple other law enforcement agencies responded to two separate but connected crime scenes:
9600 block of Coletown-Lightsville Road – Location of the vehicle pursuit and crash where Maloon was ejected and found deceased.
2500 block of State Route 571 – Maloon residence, where deputies discovered the body of Juanita Maloon.
A heavy police presence was reported at both locations, with at least a dozen police cruisers and emergency personnel on scene.
The initial 911 call was made around 2:30 p.m. by Randy Ward, who reported being chased and shot multiple times.
He informed dispatchers that his friend had opened fire on him at the residence and was actively pursuing him while continuing to shoot and ram his vehicle.
Sheriff Mark Whittaker stated that, based on the evidence and ongoing investigation, Joe Maloon was the primary threat and no additional suspects are being sought.
Authorities have assured the public that there is no further danger to the community.
The case remains under active investigation, and further details will be released as they become available.
RICHLAND, Washington — Authorities have identified 49-year-old Debra Tilley of Richland as the woman whose body was discovered in the Columbia River near the Hains Levee Trail on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
According to the Richland Police Department, a passerby reported seeing a woman floating in shallow water near the shoreline at approximately 12:42 p.m. The discovery was made near the 1000 block of George Washington Way, close to the Hains Levee Trail.
The unexpected discovery prompted an emergency response and an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Following the report, responders from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue team were called to assist with the recovery operation.
Personnel worked at the scene to recover Debra’s body with care and respect. Authorities subsequently confirmed her identity and notified her next of kin.
The discovery has brought sadness to the Richland community, particularly for those who knew Debra and her family.
An autopsy has been completed; however, officials have not yet released the cause or manner of death. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to Debra being found in the river.
Richland police have stated that there is no known threat to the public in connection with the incident. No further details about how she entered the water have been made available.
Authorities have also extended their condolences to Debra’s family and loved ones as they await answers.
Debra D. Tilley was 49 years old. Beyond the circumstances of her death, she was a person with a life, relationships, memories, and people who cared about her. Her passing leaves loved ones facing grief and uncertainty as the investigation continues.
For her family and friends, the days ahead will be difficult as they remember someone whose presence was part of their lives. The discovery along the Columbia River has also served as a painful reminder of the loss being experienced by those closest to her.
During this difficult time, thoughts are with Debra’s family, friends, and everyone mourning her death. May they find strength, comfort, and support as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
May Debra D. Tilley rest in peace.