Christie and McKinley McWilliams were honored days after gunfire at their Rittman home left four people dead.
RITTMAN, Ohio — Hundreds of relatives, friends and neighbors gathered Saturday to remember Christie McWilliams and her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley, less than a week after they were killed in a shooting that also claimed the life of a responding police sergeant.
The July 11 services at Rittman United Methodist Church gave the small northeast Ohio community another chance to mourn those killed during the July 5 violence. Rittman police Sgt. Scott Ries died after officers responded to a report of a break-in and gunfire at the McWilliams home. Authorities identified Brandon Fazekas, Christie McWilliams’ former partner, as the suspected shooter.
Calling hours for Christie and McKinley were held before a celebration of life at the church. Their ashes were to be buried at Rittman Cemetery, according to funeral information. Residents lined streets and gathered near memorials as the city continued to grieve the deaths of the mother, daughter and police officer.
Christie McWilliams, 43, worked in medical credentialing and as a real estate agent. Her obituary said she attended Rittman High School and later trained as a licensed practical nurse. Relatives described her as a devoted mother whose life centered on raising her children and supporting their activities.
She often attended McKinley’s softball and volleyball games and shared her daughter’s love of country music. The two traveled together and built memories through concerts, sporting events and family trips, their obituaries said. Christie is also survived by a son, Landon.
McKinley attended Norwayne Middle School and played softball and volleyball. Friends remembered her as funny, energetic and loyal. She also enjoyed drawing, making artwork and creating videos. Her obituary described a close relationship with her brother and a strong affection for the family’s cats.
A friend told Cleveland television station WOIO that she met McKinley through softball and remembered her as someone who brought humor and happiness into the classroom. Members of McKinley’s softball team were among those who placed tributes outside the family’s home after the shooting.
The violence began shortly before 10 p.m. July 5, when police were called to a home on Chippewa Trail for a reported break-in and shots fired. Authorities said officers came under immediate gunfire after arriving. Investigators have not released a complete public account explaining the events inside the home before police were called.
Ries, 54, was fatally wounded during the response. He had served with the Rittman Police Department for about 10 years and previously worked for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Sugar Grove Police Department. His death was the first line-of-duty death in the Rittman department’s history, local officials said.
Three Medina County sheriff’s deputies and a Hinckley police officer were also wounded. Two officers were taken to a hospital in stable condition, while the others were treated at the scene. A Wayne County Sheriff’s Office police dog named Vick was struck by gunfire and later released from veterinary care to continue recovering at home.
Authorities said Fazekas died from gunshot wounds consistent with suicide. Officials have described him as Christie McWilliams’ former partner, but they have not released a final investigative finding detailing what led to the attack or the full sequence of the shootings. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.
The deaths prompted a week of mourning across Rittman. Residents left flowers, candles, balloons and handwritten messages outside the McWilliams home and the police station. Red, black and blue ribbons appeared throughout the city in recognition of the victims and the police department.
Ries was laid to rest Friday after a funeral and procession through the city. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags lowered at public buildings in Wayne County, the Ohio Statehouse and several other state locations until sunset on the day of the officer’s funeral.
Community members also organized cookouts, food sales and other fundraisers for the McWilliams and Ries families. Friends created commemorative clothing reflecting Christie and McKinley’s shared interest in country music and McKinley’s involvement in softball.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have not announced any additional suspects or released a complete report explaining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Author note: Last updated July 12, 2026.