Parallel investigations are underway following a tragic shooting on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a residence in the 3000 block of Mohawk Street in Middletown, Ohio, that left two people dead, according to Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser. The incident involved Middletown police officers and has prompted separate inquiries into both the officer-involved shooting and the preceding homicide.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is conducting an independent probe into the officer-involved shooting, with findings to be presented by Gmoser to a Butler County grand jury for review. Meanwhile, the Middletown Police Department is investigating the homicide that initially prompted the police response, which resulted in the deaths of both the homicide suspect and his alleged victim.
Gmoser emphasized the consequences of threatening law enforcement, stating, “You point a gun at a police officer, you’re going to be dead,” referencing a warning from a previous press release. This marks the second officer-involved shooting in Middletown in just over two months, following an incident on May 27, 2025, where Michael Anthony Baker, 47, of Middletown, was killed. In that case, a Butler County grand jury cleared the police of any wrongdoing, with Gmoser noting that the use of deadly force was justified when Baker pointed a loaded .38 caliber revolver at officers during a drug-related search warrant execution.
Despite the recent incidents, Gmoser described them as “random,” asserting, “There is no systemic problem in Middletown with respect to officer-involved shooting cases.”
The Mohawk Street incident began around 4:42 p.m. on Sunday when Middletown police responded to reports of a woman suffering from a gunshot wound, allegedly inflicted by her husband, according to a city press release. Upon arrival, officers announced their presence and identified themselves as police. During negotiations with the male suspect, he allegedly fired his weapon at the officers. In response, the officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Upon entering the residence, police found both the man and woman deceased.
The Butler County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Consuelo Kerr, 53, and Ronald Kerr, 60. Investigators indicate that Ronald Kerr shot his wife, Consuelo, before pointing a gun at police, leading to the officers’ response that resulted in his death. No officers were injured in the incident.
Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson requested BCI’s involvement to ensure an independent investigation, a decision Gmoser praised, noting the importance of transparency in such cases. The investigations are ongoing, with BCI’s findings expected to be reviewed by the grand jury to determine whether the officers’ use of force was justified.
