Ohio Man Kills Ex-Wife in Murder-Suicide While She's Working at Local Giant Eagle

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday morning at a Giant Eagle grocery store in North Olmsted, Ohio, where an apparent murder-suicide occurred, resulting in two individuals' deaths, according to Akron Beacon Journal.

Ohio man Bernard Smith, 60, entered the store and fatally shot his ex-wife, 63-year-old Susan Peterson, who was working at the time, according to police.

Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. and discovered the lifeless bodies of Peterson and Smith, both having sustained gunshot wounds.

At the time of the shooting, the store had around 200 customers and 67 employees present. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots within the store. No other individuals were harmed during the incident.

North Olmsted Police Chief Bob Wagner expressed gratitude that no additional injuries occurred. During a news conference, he emphasized that the well-being of customers and employees was of utmost importance.

Peterson, a resident of Olmsted Falls, had been an employee at Giant Eagle for over three years. She had been divorced from Smith, a resident of Cleveland, since 2004.

In response to the tragedy, the city of North Olmsted announced on social media that the Giant Eagle store located at 27264 Lorain Road would be closed on Monday, while the drive-thru pharmacy will remain open to accommodate the needs of guests who require access to essential medications.

The community mourns the loss of two lives and remains deeply affected by this unfortunate event.

Ohio Police Are Still Investigating the Murder-Suicide

The incident at the Giant Eagle grocery store is currently being investigated as a murder-suicide. However, authorities are still in the process of gathering more information regarding the fatal shooting.

Giant Eagle employees and customers were escorted from the store to a nearby parking lot, noting that the employees appeared visibly shaken by the events, per Jodie Heisner, the News Director for News 5, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots near the cash register area within the store. Sammy Assaf, a customer present during the shooting, described his initial confusion upon hearing the first gunshot, followed by the realization that the store was being attacked.

Another woman, who remained anonymous, shared her experience of being inside the store during the shooting. Her instinct was to flee. She and others quickly made their way to a fire exit door in the back, prioritizing their safety above all else.

Ohio Giant Eagle, North Olmstead Mayor Release Statement Following Murder-Suicide

In response to the tragic incident, Giant Eagle shared a statement expressing shock and profound sadness over the senseless act of violence within their store.

They emphasized that the safety of their team members and customers remains their top priority, 10 WBNS noted.

The company expressed gratitude for the swift response of local authorities and pledged to provide all available resources to assist in the ongoing investigation.

North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones also issued a statement, expressing deep sorrow. She extended her heartfelt condolences to the victim of the tragedy and her family and friends.

Jones acknowledged the impact on the employees and customers during the incident, assuring them that the community stands in unity, offering prayers and support.

Meanwhile, the Giant Eagle store will be closed on Monday, June 26, to ensure that the necessary on-site support can be provided to the affected team members, said Cleaveland.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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