STOW, Ohio — Following a homicide-suicide that happened Wednesday night at the Taco Bell on Graham Road in Stow, authorities have announced they have no indication that the victim knew the man they say fatally shot her.
According to the Stow Police Department, 25-year-old Stow resident Megan Keleman was shot and killed in the drive-thru line by Jason Williams, 53, of Cuyahoga Falls.
During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Stow Police Chief Jeffrey Film described the shooting as a "true tragedy."
Shortly before 7:30 p.m., police said that they received a call from an employee after the woman asked the restaurant to call police about her car being struck in the drive-thru line.
Moments later, police received several 911 calls reporting a shooting at the same location. Upon arriving, officers found Keleman and Williams dead.
Witnesses told the officers that Williams had started honking his horn at Keleman when she pulled in front of him in line— that's when Williams struck her vehicle with his from behind.
Police said that Williams then got out of his vehicle and shot Keleman in her car before turning the gun on himself.
"We have no information to indicate that the two subjects knew each other," police said.
During the news conference, police read the following statement provided by Keleman's family:
"In light of the recent events, our family is enduring an immensely painful loss of Megan Elizabeth Keleman.
We kindly ask for the media and the public’s understanding for our privacy during this difficult time.
We appreciate the community’s support and hope that our request for privacy will be honored so we can continue to focus on supporting each other through this difficult period.
Sincerely, the Keleman family."
Late Thursday afternoon, Taco Bell issued this statement:
"We are shocked to hear that this happened. The franchise owner and operator of this location has informed us that they are working with the local authorities in their investigation of this customer incident and that they will be offering support to all team members present.” – Taco Bell Corp."
Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) released the following statement Friday afternoon:
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Megan Keleman, whose life was taken in an unthinkable act of violence. I extend my support to her family as they navigate through this unimaginable grief. This kind of senseless violence is unacceptable and serves as a grave reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence prevention in our communities. I want to thank our dedicated Stow law enforcement for their ongoing efforts to bring clarity to this case. My heart goes out to the community, and every person impacted."
Community Reaction
Startling 911 calls News 5 received from the Stow Police Department reveal the terrifying moments some bystanders said they experienced when chaos erupted at a Taco Bell on Graham Road in Stow.
“I was just driving by, and I heard what I thought were gunshots,” said one 911 caller.
Since that horrific incident, residents have questioned how this could have happened.
“I know I’ve heard… very rarely do you hear of anything like that happening around here. But when you do, it makes you think, ‘Huh.’ You never know what’s going to happen,” said Brandon Jester of Stow.
Meanwhile, City Councilman Mario Fiocca said he’s heartbroken to learn the details of the murder-suicide.
“You have family that lost their daughter and somebody that is just beginning in the prime of her life,” said Fiocca.
News 5 also received body camera video from Stow Police after they arrived on the scene.
Due to its graphic nature, we are choosing not to show it.
“Just an awful and complete tragedy,” said Fiocca.
City leaders understand the community is trying to wrap its head around everything, but Fiocca encourages everyone to keep the family in their thoughts.
Meanwhile, the shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 330-689-5770.
