MARION, OH – A Morrow County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed in the line of duty on Memorial Day while responding to a domestic violence call in the rural community of Marengo, approximately 35 miles north of Columbus.

Deputy Daniel Sherrer, 31, was fatally wounded during a shootout at a residence on County Road 26 shortly after 7:40 p.m. on Monday.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sherrer, who had served with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office since May 2021, was remembered by Sheriff John L. Hinton during a press conference Tuesday morning as a dedicated and well-loved deputy.

“He was a grown man, but I still think of him as a kid. Always had a smile, never in a bad mood. He loved this job, and he loved this community,” Hinton said.

The suspect in the shooting, identified in court records as Brian Michael Wilson, 53, of Marengo, is expected to be charged with aggravated murder.

He was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire and remains hospitalized in serious condition under police custody.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the charges, body-worn camera footage captured the events leading up to the deadly confrontation.

Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Sherrer spoke with a neighbor who reported that Wilson had made alarming comments, including a statement that he would be “OK if he died tonight.”

Sherrer then approached the residence and observed Wilson sitting on a porch with a visible firearm. Wilson immediately warned him not to come closer, saying, “Don’t come up here.”

Sherrer attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Wilson’s threats intensified. The affidavit records him saying:

“Don’t f—— come around that corner, I will f—— kill you… I’m not f—— playing, you better just f—— go if you want your family to see you tomorrow.”

Moments later, Wilson advanced toward the deputy, and gunfire erupted. Sherrer was struck and collapsed.

The affidavit indicates that additional shots followed, possibly as Wilson fired again at the wounded deputy. Audio from the footage captured the sound of a firearm clicking, consistent with an empty chamber in a revolver.

Investigators recovered two firearms from the scene: a semiautomatic pistol and a revolver.

Sheriff Hinton did not discuss the circumstances that triggered the shootout and said he had not yet viewed the body camera footage.

He also declined to publicly name the suspect, stating:

“You will never hear his name come from my lips… Why would I? Why am I going to even mention his name? He doesn’t deserve it.”

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are jointly handling the investigation.

Wilson remains hospitalized and in custody as the legal process moves forward.

Deputy Sherrer’s death has deeply impacted the Morrow County community, home to roughly 35,000 residents.

A patrol cruiser has been stationed in front of the sheriff’s office, adorned with a black mourning band over the badge, surrounded by flowers and tributes left by members of the community.

Further updates on the investigation and legal proceedings are expected to be released by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.