December 28, 2010 - Compiled by Staff
EMPIRE - Two people are dead this morning after an apparent murder-suicide, according to Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla.
"We have a murder-suicide," said Abdalla about the incident that occurred around 7 a.m. today at a residence at 17618 County Road 152.
Abdalla, who declined to release the names of those involved pending notification of family members, said a man at the residence apparently shot and killed a woman before turning the gun on himself.
"There were two young girls there (during the shooting)," said the sheriff, adding both girls attended Toronto High School. "One of the girls called (Jefferson County) 911."
Abdalla didn't say what relationship there was between the victims, and the girls reportedly are staying with relatives.
He also declined to speculate on a motive, saying the incident is under investigation.
Sheriff's deputies collected evidence at the residence, while troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol controlled traffic. Many of the first-responders on the scene appeared visibly upset.
"All I can say is that this is a terrible thing to happen (a few days) after Christmas," said Clark Crago, chief of operations for the TEMS Joint Ambulance District.
The Jefferson County coroner also was called to the scene. No other details were available today.
Meanwhile, in Monroe County, a Woodsfield man has died after he reportedly shot himself as police were attempting to take him into custody.
Randy Ricer Jr. died of what Monroe County Sheriff Charles Black said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday while being pursued by police.
A pickup truck and firearms were reported stolen in a burglary on Ohio 26 north of Graysville, and investigators believed Ricer, son of the victim, had committed the crime. He was spotted driving the stolen truck, prompting Woodsfield police and deputies to pursue him back to the crime scene. On arrival, they saw Ricer with a firearm and tried to apprehend him.
Black said Ricer fled to the front of the truck before officers heard a shot fired. Ricer was found on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was taken to Graysville firehouse to await a medical helicopter but was pronounced dead before being airlifted.
In Belmont County, a 25-year-old Stewartsville man was found dead on Saturday night in his home just off Ohio 149. Sheriff's Department deputies and officials from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation spent nearly eight hours at the scene as it was unclear if the man had committed suicide or if his death was a homicide. An autopsy is being performed on the victim whose name has not been released. However, officials believe the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
Neighbors reported they heard a gunshot on Saturday but did not think much of it as the man often shot guns. The man's body was discovered at about 8:30 p.m. on Christmas.
Mark Miller and Heather Ziegler contributed to this story.
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