CIRCLEVILLE, OH – (June 5, 2025) Two men have been charged in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on June 4, 2025, around 5pm on Sumpter Avenue in Circleville. Clifford Browning, 51, faces charges of murder and felonious assault, while Rodney Rutter, 39, has been charged with two counts of complicity to murder and complicity to felonious assault.
The incident unfolded when emergency crews responded to reports of a stabbing, finding a male victim with a stab wound to the abdomen. Medflight was called for a possible emergency helicopter transport to a critical care hospital according to authorities. The extent of the victim’s injuries and the exact circumstances leading to the stabbing remain under investigation.
Police initially released a BOLO (be on the lookout) for an older model silver Hyundai Santa Fe with tinted windows, black over the wheel wells, white writing on the back window, and no front tag, noting the vehicle had two occupants. Authorities have since apprehended Browning and Rutter, though it’s unclear if the vehicle description directly led to their arrests.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking the public to avoid the area while they continue their work. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
