Summit County Sheriff’s Deputy Kills Stow Mother in Murder-Suicide
The serene community of Stow, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and low crime rates, has been shaken by a tragic incident on Monday, where a man shot his girlfriend multiple times before taking his own life. The victims have been identified as Latoia Philpott, 41, and Benjamin Asiedu, 43, a Summit County Sheriff’s deputy. The Summit County medical examiner ruled Philpott’s death a homicide, while Asiedu died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Philpott, a beloved mother of five, was found by her family at her home on Meadowlark Trail after they were unable to reach her. Asiedu, who was in a relationship with Philpott for over a year, leaves behind a daughter. In the wake of this tragedy, the Victim Assistance Program and Summit County Children Services have stepped in to support the affected family members.
Philpott’s family released a heartfelt statement mourning her loss: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend, Latoia Philpott. At this time, we ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult loss and make arrangements. We are truly grateful for the love, support, and condolences we have already received from friends, family, community, and local law enforcement during this incredibly challenging time.”
Authorities have not disclosed any details regarding a potential motive for the shooting, leaving the community to grapple with unanswered questions. Stow, with a population of approximately 34,000, has witnessed very few violent crimes in recent years. The last homicide before this incident occurred nearly eight years ago, making the recent spate of violence all the more shocking. Just months prior, in August, 25-year-old Megan Keleman was fatally shot in a Taco Bell drive-through by Jason Williams, who subsequently took his own life.
The rise of murder-suicides, particularly in Ohio, has raised alarm among law enforcement and mental health professionals. From 2020 to 2022, the state recorded a significant uptick in domestic violence incidents that escalated to murder-suicides. According to the Ohio Department of Health, there were at least 60 reported murder-suicides in the state in 2021 alone, with many of these incidents involving firearms.
Experts attribute this disturbing trend to a combination of factors, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, economic stressors, and the accessibility of firearms. The National Violent Death Reporting System indicates that the majority of murder-suicides involve intimate partners, highlighting the tragic intersections of domestic violence and mental health crises.
As communities like Stow reflect on the recent tragedies, local leaders are calling for increased awareness and resources dedicated to mental health and domestic violence prevention. The hope is that by addressing these issues proactively, future incidents can be prevented, and families can find the support they need during difficult times.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Stow is left to mourn the loss of Latoia Philpott while also seeking answers to understand the
events that led to such a heartbreaking outcome. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the families affected and fostering a dialogue on the importance of mental health resources and domestic violence prevention.
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