STOW, Ohio – Public records, testimony and tributes are providing new insight into what happened before and after two people died at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Stow.
The fatal shooting occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Stow police reported, according to witnesses, that a driver at the restaurant appeared upset when another car pulled into the drive-thru line in front of him.
Investigators believe 53-year-old Jason Williams rammed 25-year-old Megan Keleman’s car from behind. They say he then got out of his car, shot Keleman and then committed suicide.
Police said it appeared to be a random act of violence and the motive for the incident may never be clear.
“There is no explanation or reason why something like this would ever happen,” said Brandon Jester, who lives nearby.
According to investigators, there was no evidence that the suspect and the victim knew each other.
RELATED: Police say two strangers were involved in the murder-suicide at the Taco Bell drive-in
Among the first responders on the scene Wednesday was RubberCity Rescue. The Akron-based nonprofit works with police to care for stray animals and those displaced from their owners during arrests, deaths or other circumstances.
“We see a lot, but this was the worst we’ve ever seen,” said Laura Lawson, president of RubberCity Rescue.
Stow police called the organization to assist with Keleman’s dog, Penny. The dog was in the victim’s car during the shooting. She was unharmed, but emergency responders said she was visibly shaken.
“The dog seemed traumatized and scared. But once he found out we were okay, everything was fine,” said Jason Johnson, vice president of RubberCity Rescue.
The group took the dog to a groomer for a bath and then back to the Stow Police Department so he could be reunited with Keleman’s family.
“If the animal needs help, we will look into it and see what we can do to make the situation better,” Lawson said. “The family absolutely had to get the dog cleaned up before they got him back. That has to be traumatic enough to deal with, let alone do.”
A photo of Keleman provided by Stow police shows the 25-year-old in a graduation gown next to her dog Penny. Keleman recently earned her master’s degree from Cleveland State University’s School of Business. She graduated from Stow-Munroe Falls High School in 2016, where she took advanced placement courses, participated in the orchestra through her sophomore year and attended the Engineering Academy as part of the Six District Educational Compact, according to school officials.
Stow-Munroe Falls Superintendent Dr. Felisha Gould added that she was a “bright student with a thirst for knowledge and a positive attitude” in the building.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the Keleman family, her friends and all who were privileged to know Megan. The loss of such a bright and promising life is deeply felt by all and we will continue to honor her memory in our community,” Gould said in a statement to News 5.
The Stow graduate was also an avid volunteer. Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio posted the following obituary on their Facebook page:
“Our staff is heartbroken over the loss of our long-time volunteer Megan Keleman. Megan lived in Stow, was a Girls on the Run volunteer coach in Hudson, and served on our fall 5K committee. Our council is honored to have worked with her since 2017, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”
Staff there said Keleman also worked with a service for homeless youth.
Ohio State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) issued the following statement in response to the violence that led to Keleman’s death:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Megan Keleman, whose life was cut short by an unimaginable act of violence. I want to express my support to her family as they deal with this unimaginable grief. This type of senseless violence is unacceptable and is a solemn reminder of the urgent need to prevent gun violence in our communities. I want to thank our dedicated law enforcement in Stow for their continued efforts to bring clarity to this case. My condolences go out to the community and all those affected.”
Williams’ past also includes recent problems with the police.
Stow Municipal Court records show the 53-year-old was charged with driving under the influence, improper handling of a firearm and violating the open-carry weapons ban. The charges stem from an incident in late March.
According to a Hudson Police report, Williams was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in downtown Hudson. During the arrest, officers found an open bottle of alcohol and a loaded handgun in Williams’ car.
The case was transferred to Summit County Court of Common Pleas, where it remains pending, according to records. According to court documents, Williams had applied to have his restricted license reinstated. He was released from custody on bail, which he did not have to pay.
Investigators have said they do not know Williams’ motive for Wednesday’s violence, which left lives lost and others changed.
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