Tragic Drive-Thru Shooting in Stow: Stranger Kills Woman, Takes Own Life

In a shocking incident that occurred two days ago in Stow, Ohio, a seemingly routine visit to a fast-food drive-thru turned deadly. The event, which took place on August 14, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., has left the community of 34,483 residents deeply shaken.

According to Stow Police Chief Jeff Film, Megan Keleman, a 25-year-old local resident, was fatally shot by Jason Williams, 53, from nearby Cuyahoga Falls. The incident unfolded after a minor traffic dispute in the drive-thru lane. Witnesses reported that Keleman had pulled in front of Williams' vehicle to enter the line. This action prompted Williams to sound his horn and collide with the rear of Keleman's car.

Following the collision, Keleman requested restaurant staff to contact the authorities. In a tragic turn of events, Williams exited his vehicle and shot Keleman before taking his own life. Both individuals were alone in their cars at the time, though Keleman's dog, who was with her, remained unharmed.

The Summit County Medical Examiner has officially ruled Keleman's death a homicide, caused by a gunshot wound to the neck. Williams' death has been classified as suicide.

During a press conference held yesterday, Chief Film expressed the community's grief:

"This is a true tragedy. Not only did the Kelemans lose a daughter, but the community lost one of our daughters. I don't know if we'll ever be able to understand the motivation behind (Williams) decision-making."

The Stow Police Department, in collaboration with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The involvement of the BCI, one of the oldest state-level investigative agencies in the United States established in 1921, is due to Stow's limited resources for homicide investigations.

This tragic event marks the first homicide in Stow in five years, highlighting the rarity of such occurrences in this suburban community. Stow, founded in 1804 by Joshua Stow of the Connecticut Land Company, is typically known for its peaceful atmosphere, boasting over 10 parks and recreational areas.

As the investigation continues, authorities are grappling with the seemingly random nature of the crime. The lack of any prior connection between Keleman and Williams adds to the complexity of the case, leaving many questions unanswered.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and its profound impact on communities. As Stow, a city primarily based on retail and light industry, comes to terms with this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring public safety.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's involvement underscores the seriousness of the case and the state's commitment to thorough criminal investigations. As the "Mother of Presidents" and a state with a rich manufacturing history, Ohio now faces the challenge of addressing this unexpected act of violence in one of its suburban communities.