The Tiffin community is reeling after a horrific shooting Wednesday evening left four people dead, including a father and his young child. Authorities have identified two of the victims as Dustin Willey and his child, Wrenn, following what investigators are calling a murder-suicide inside a home on Huss Street. The tragedy has shaken residents and prompted an outpouring of grief across the city.
According to Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly, officers were dispatched to the residence shortly before 6:30 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported gunfire and screams. When officers entered the home, they found an adult male and two young children suffering from gunshot wounds. A woman, believed to be the mother of the children, was also inside. She was physically unharmed but in severe emotional distress. Willey and one of the children were pronounced dead at the scene, while the second child was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later passed away.
Outside the home, investigators discovered another adult male dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities say a handgun was recovered and is believed to be the weapon used in the shootings. Based on the evidence gathered so far, Chief Pauly confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide-suicide. He added that there were no known familial ties between the two men and the children. The identities of the second child and the suspected shooter have not yet been released, pending next-of-kin notifications.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting local police as they work to determine a motive. Chief Pauly described the incident as “horrific and heartbreaking,” expressing sympathy for the families and acknowledging the emotional toll on first responders. “As a community, we are not accustomed to events of this horrific and heartbreaking nature,” he said. “I ask all residents to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts.”
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness as they processed the tragedy. Lisa Runion, who lives next door, said she returned home from work to find the street blocked off by police. “My heart is pounding. My heart is aching,” she said. “You never know what someone is going through. I never saw it coming.”
City officials also released a statement Thursday morning acknowledging the deep trauma felt across Tiffin. The mayor emphasized the community’s support for the grieving family and praised the first responders who handled the devastating scene. Additionally, Willey’s workplace issued an emotional message honoring him and his son, remembering his dedication and warm presence.
As investigators continue their work, the city is preparing grief-response efforts, including crisis counseling and mental-health support. More details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses and families are notified.
