Brandon Fazekas Obituary, Cause of Death – Suspected Gunman in Deadly Rittman, Ohio Shooting
Authorities have released new details about Brandon Fazekas, the 38-year-old Wayne County man identified as the suspected gunman in the deadly shooting that unfolded in Rittman, Ohio, on Sunday night, July 5, 2026. The tragic incident claimed the lives of four people — including a veteran police officer, a mother, her teenage daughter, and Fazekas himself — while leaving four sheriff’s deputies wounded.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) continues to lead the investigation as officials work to determine the full sequence of events surrounding one of the deadliest incidents the community has faced in recent years.
Deadly Shooting Began with Reported Break-In
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and officers were dispatched to the 90 block of Chippewa Trail in Rittman at approximately 9:30 p.m. after reports of a break-in and gunfire at a residence. Responding officers immediately came under fire, triggering a large multi-agency response involving local police, sheriff’s deputies, tactical units, and emergency medical personnel.
Brandon Fazekas Identified as Suspect
Investigators identified Brandon Fazekas as the suspected gunman. The Wayne County Coroner’s Office reported that Fazekas died from a gunshot wound consistent with suicide. Preliminary findings suggest he died from a self-inflicted injury, and investigators have not indicated that officers fired the fatal shot. Officials have not yet released further details about his background or possible motive.
Relationship to Victims
Authorities believe Fazekas was either the current or former boyfriend of Christine McWilliams, one of the victims killed during the incident. Detectives continue examining evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the nature of the relationship and whether prior domestic violence reports were connected.
Victims Identified
Officials confirmed the four fatalities:
Sgt. Scott Ries, 54 – Rittman Police officer fatally shot while responding.
Christine McWilliams, 43 – killed at the residence.
McKinley McWilliams, 13 – Christine’s daughter.
Brandon Fazekas, 38 – suspected gunman.
Sgt. Ries was remembered by colleagues and community leaders for his decade of dedicated service and commitment to public safety.
Injured Deputies and K-9
Four Medina County Sheriff’s deputies were wounded:
Two deputies hospitalized in stable condition.
Two treated for less serious injuries.
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Vick was also shot and remains in serious condition under veterinary care.
Investigation Continues
The BCI has assumed responsibility for the case to ensure an independent review. Investigators are working to:
Establish a timeline of events.
Process forensic and ballistic evidence.
Interview officers and civilian witnesses.
Examine digital communications.
Officials emphasize the investigation remains active, with more details to be released once verified.
Community Mourns
The shootings have devastated Rittman, where residents mourn the deaths of Sgt. Ries, Christine McWilliams, and 13-year-old McKinley McWilliams. Memorials and tributes have been organized, while officials express gratitude to law enforcement officers who risked their lives during the incident. Authorities confirm there is no ongoing threat to the public.
