TIFFIN, OH — A heartbreaking tragedy has left the Tiffin community reeling after police confirmed that a domestic violence–related murder–suicide claimed the lives of two young children, a 29-year-old father, and the gunman himself on Wednesday evening. Authorities say 42-year-old Ryan Eagon fatally shot the children and Dustin Willey, the father of one of the victims, before taking his own life.
The horrifying events unfolded shortly after 6:24 PM on Huss Street, where officers responded to frantic reports of gunfire and screaming. What they discovered was a scene that investigators describe as among the most devastating in recent memory.
According to Tiffin Police, the children’s mother had been removing belongings from the home due to ongoing domestic issues. Believing her husband to be out of town, she was accompanied by Willey, who had agreed to help her move. As the two worked inside, the children—a 7-year-old and a 7-month-old infant—were outside near a vehicle.
Moments later, the older child cried out. When the mother and Willey rushed outside, they encountered Eagon in the driveway.
Police say that without warning, Eagon chased after Willey, fired several shots, and then turned the gun on the children. Both were struck. Eagon then shot Willey again before fatally shooting himself.
The children’s mother, in a desperate act of love and fear, carried her wounded children back inside before first responders arrived. Despite the immediate lifesaving efforts by Tiffin Police and Tiffin Fire & Rescue, the 7-month-old and Eagon were pronounced dead at the scene. Willey was transported to Mercy Hospital, where he later died. The 7-year-old succumbed to injuries after being taken to the hospital.
Police emphasized that no officers fired their weapons during the incident.
The name of the mother is being withheld under Marsy’s Law, and officials are urging the public to respect her privacy as she grapples with unimaginable loss and trauma.
In the aftermath, grief has rippled through Tiffin—affecting families, neighbors, first responders, hospital workers, and schools. Local authorities say counseling resources and mental-health support are being mobilized to help the community process the magnitude of the tragedy.
The investigation remains active with support from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Seneca County Coroner’s Office. Autopsies are pending, and no further identifying details about the children will be released.
Chief David Pauly described the incident as “an unfathomable loss,” acknowledging the deep and lasting impact on everyone touched by the violence.
As the community mourns, officials are reminding anyone experiencing domestic violence that confidential help is available 24/7 through the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 1-800-934-9840 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting START to 88788.
A town already heavy with grief continues to search for answers—and for healing—after a tragedy that will forever be remembered on Huss Street.