RITTMAN, Ohio — Authorities have identified the four people who lost their lives in a tragic shooting that unfolded Sunday night, July 5, in the city of Rittman, leaving a police sergeant dead, a mother and her teenage daughter murdered, and the suspected gunman deceased from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Wayne County Coroner Dr. Amy Jolliff, the suspected gunman has been identified as 38-year-old Brandon Fazekas. The other victims were identified as 43-year-old Christine McWilliams and her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley “McKelsey” McWilliams, who investigators say were killed before responding officers arrived at the residence. Also killed during the incident was Sgt. Scott Ries of the Rittman Police Department, who was fatally shot while responding to the emergency call.
Authorities said officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired at a home located in the 90 block of Chippewa Trail in Rittman.
According to a joint statement issued by Rittman Police Chief Robert Shows, Wayne County Sheriff Thomas Ballinger, and Medina County Sheriff Terry Grice, officers encountered immediate gunfire upon arriving at the scene. Sgt. Ries was struck during the exchange and ultimately died from his injuries while serving in the line of duty.
Investigators believe Christine McWilliams and her daughter had already been fatally shot before officers entered the dangerous situation. Officials also confirmed that Brandon Fazekas later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident resulted in an intense exchange of gunfire that also left four deputies from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office wounded. Two deputies were transported to a local hospital, where they remain in stable condition, while two others received treatment at the scene.
The violence also seriously injured K-9 Vick of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, who was shot during the response. The police dog remains in serious condition as veterinary teams continue providing treatment.
Sgt. Scott Ries had faithfully served the Rittman Police Department for the past decade. Before joining the department, he served as a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and previously worked as an officer with the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County. Fellow officers, community members, and law enforcement agencies across Ohio have expressed profound grief over the loss of a respected public servant who gave his life protecting others.
“It is with profound sadness that the Rittman Police Department and the City of Rittman announce the tragic loss of Sgt. Scott Ries, who was killed in the line of duty responding to a disturbance call,” the department said in an official statement.
The shooting claimed four lives in total: Sgt. Scott Ries, Christine McWilliams, her daughter McKinley “McKelsey” McWilliams, and Brandon Fazekas.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active, and no additional details regarding the events leading up to the violence or a possible motive have been released.
Authorities continue to process evidence and interview witnesses as they work to determine exactly what occurred during the deadly incident. Additional information is expected to be released as investigators continue their work.
