ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A 57-year-old man is currently being held in the Ross County Jail following a fatal shooting that authorities say resulted in the death of his wife.
According to early reports from the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Mount Zion Road near Chillicothe on April 26, 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m. in reference to a reported shooting.
The caller advised that a female had been shot and was deceased inside the home.
Upon arrival, deputies secured the scene and took the suspect into custody without incident. Inside the residence, authorities located a deceased woman. Emergency crews were staged until law enforcement confirmed the scene was safe before entering.
Investigators identified the suspect as Glenn Merritt, who allegedly told dispatchers during the 911 call that the shooting was accidental. According to initial information, Merritt claimed he had retrieved a firearm to deal with animals when the incident occurred.
He has since been charged with reckless homicide and remains in custody. The definition of reckless homicide is causing someone’s death by acting recklessly—without intending to kill, but ignoring a known risk that your actions could seriously harm or kill someone.
The investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the sheriff’s office detective bureau in coordination with the Ross County Coroner’s Office. Additional details, including the victim’s identity, have not yet been released.
Authorities have not provided further information as the case remains under active investigation.
