This story describes a domestic violence situation. If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, visit LSS Choices or call 614-224-4663 (HOME), or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text BEGIN to 88788, or click here.
MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (WCMH) — A sheriff’s deputy in Morrow County was shot and killed on Memorial Day while responding to a domestic violence call, with the man accused telling him, “You better just f—— go if you want your family to see you tomorrow.”
Deputy Daniel Sherrer was fatally injured during the ensuing shootout at a residence on County Road 26 south of Marengo, a community of fewer than 300 people some 35 miles north of Columbus.
Sherrer was taken to a hospital, where he died. The 31-year-old had been a Morrow County deputy since May 2021, Sheriff John L. Hinton said at a media briefing on Tuesday morning.
“I don’t even know what to say. I mean … call him a kid … he was 31 years old,” Hinton said. “He was, he was a grown man. Always had a smile on his face, never in a bad mood. He, he came to work every day. He loved this community. He loved the job.”
Expected to be charged in the case is Brian Michael Wilson, 53, of Marengo, who was struck during the shootout. Court records showed a warrant for an aggravated murder charge has been filed against him, and an affidavit described the encounter that led to Sherrer’s death.
Upon arrival about 7:40 p.m., Sherrer was told by a neighbor that Wilson had said he would be OK if he died that night, according to body-worn camera footage that was reviewed for the affidavit. As Sherrer approached, he saw Wilson sitting on a porch with a firearm visible. “Don’t come up here,” Wilson was heard saying.
Sherrer attempted to engage Wilson in dialogue to deescalate the situation, the affidavit said, although the wording was not described. The footage showed Sherrer stepping back and Wilson saying, “Don’t f—— come around that corner, I will f—— kill you,” and, “I’m not f——
playing, you better just f—— go if you want your family to see you tomorrow.”
The affidavit said that Wilson approached the steps where Sherrer was located, and gunfire began. Sherrer was struck and fell. More shots were heard before a pause in gunfire, then more rang out, with the affidavit indicating that this could have been Wilson firing at Sherrer on the ground. Clicks indicating an empty chamber were then heard.
The affidavit said two firearms were recovered, including a semiautomatic pistol and a revolver. The clicking sound was noted as being consistent with the revolver having an empty chamber.
When Hinton spoke, he did not provide details of what led to the shootout, saying he had not yet seen the body camera footage. And he refused to say Wilson’s name or provide an update on his condition.
“You will never hear his name come from my lips, so if you want the name, you will have to get it some other way. I’m not giving it to you,” Hinton said. “Why would I? Why am I going to even mention his name? He doesn’t deserve it.”
Wilson was listed in serious condition when he was taken to the hospital. An update Tuesday afternoon from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, which has taken point in the investigation, said Wilson remained there receiving treatment and was in custody.
In a social media post, the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office said it was grateful of support from the community. About 35,000 people live in the county. A cruiser parked in front of the sheriff’s office was marked with a black stripe across the badge in honor of Sherrer, and flowers and other memorials appeared around it during the afternoon.
“Our county is a closely-tied community, which has always supported its law enforcement agencies, and that backing is evident during this time of grief,” the post said.
The post noted details of Sherrer’s funeral would come later, and Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags flown at half staff until that day. A candlelight vigil is scheduled at the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
Reaction to the shooting spread quickly, with responses from Sen. Bernie Moreno, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and at least 20 social media posts from other Ohio law enforcement agencies on Tuesday morning.
“I’m keeping Deputy Daniel Sherrer’s family and the entire community in my prayers, and am grateful for our law enforcement officers across Ohio,” Moreno wrote on social media.
It was not immediately known who contacted the sheriff’s office. The residence where the shooting took place is not under Wilson’s name.
Hinton deferred other questions about the case to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating alongside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.