The quiet city of Vermilion, Ohio, remains in mourning following the tragic death of 34-year-old Ashlee Summer McPeak, who was fatally shot on July 10, 2025, in a devastating domestic violence incident. The loss of McPeak, a vibrant mother known for her compassion and spiritual outlook, has left her family, friends, and the community grappling with grief and a renewed urgency to address the scourge of domestic violence. As the legal case against the accused, 35-year-old Bryan J. Hall, progresses, new details have emerged, painting a clearer picture of the events that unfolded and their profound impact on those left behind.

In the early morning hours of July 10, Vermilion Police Department officers responded to a distress call at a residence in the 500 block of Ferndale Avenue. The call, made around 1:46 a.m., reported a man armed with a handgun threatening a woman. Upon arrival, officers witnessed a harrowing scene: Hall allegedly fired multiple rounds, striking McPeak twice. Despite immediate efforts to provide life-saving medical aid, McPeak was pronounced dead at the scene. Hall, who was still present when police arrived, reportedly turned the weapon on himself but did not fire. He was swiftly taken into custody and charged with aggravated murder, a charge that could carry additional counts as the case develops.

The incident’s deeply personal nature has reverberated through Vermilion, a close-knit community unaccustomed to such violence. Adding to the tragedy, McPeak’s 10-year-old daughter witnessed the horrific event. The young girl, who bravely called police while hiding with her mother, was cared for with extraordinary compassion by Vermilion’s first responders. In a deliberate effort to shield her from further trauma, she was taken to Vermilion Fire Station No. 1 rather than the police station. Firefighters and paramedics provided a safe, comforting environment until her family from Tennessee arrived to take her home. Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer praised the responders’ sensitivity, noting their commitment to supporting the child during an unimaginable ordeal. “Our first responders showed remarkable humanity,” Forthofer said. “No child should ever have to endure such a tragedy, and we are committed to supporting her and her family.”

McPeak, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, was visiting Ohio and had planned to travel to Tennessee the following day to visit relatives. Instead, her family gathered in Columbia, Tennessee, for a funeral service to honor her memory. Described by loved ones as kind-hearted, intuitive, and deeply devoted to her daughter, McPeak was a woman who left a lasting impression. She had a passion for history, spirituality, and helping others through tarot and intuitive readings. Tributes posted on GunMemorial.org, a national site dedicated to victims of gun violence, reflect the profound loss felt by those who knew her. One message read, “Ashlee was a light in this world. Her love for her daughter was boundless, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.”

The legal process against Hall is ongoing. After his arrest, he was arraigned in Vermilion Municipal Court and ordered held without bond at Lorain County Jail. The case has been transferred to the Lorain County grand jury, which will determine whether to formally indict Hall on aggravated murder and potentially additional charges, such as kidnapping, felonious assault, and aggravated menacing, as noted in some reports. As of August 4, 2025, a formal indictment has not yet been posted in the county docket, but the grand jury’s review is expected to conclude soon. If indicted, Hall will face prosecution in Lorain County Common Pleas Court, where the full scope of the charges against him will be clarified.

The tragedy has sparked widespread reflection in Vermilion and beyond, prompting renewed calls for action against domestic violence. Community members and advocacy groups are urging greater awareness and intervention to prevent similar tragedies. The Vermilion Police Department has emphasized the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and seeking help, pointing to resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and local shelters that offer support to those in need. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by family friend Christine Watts, has raised nearly $40,000 to support McPeak’s daughter, covering funeral expenses and providing for her future needs. The outpouring of support underscores the community’s commitment to rallying around the young girl who lost her mother in such a horrific way.

As Vermilion mourns, McPeak’s memory endures as a reminder of the devastating toll of domestic violence. Her life, marked by love and resilience, has inspired those who knew her to advocate for change. The community continues to grapple with the pain of her loss, but her legacy—embodied in the love she shared with her daughter and those around her—remains a beacon of hope amid the darkness.