Halloween Tragedy in Strongsville: Woman Dies, Elderly Neighbor Faces Murder Charges
Strongsville, Ohio — A quiet suburban neighborhood was shaken late Thursday night after what police describe as a domestic-related shooting left one woman dead and an elderly man hospitalized under police guard. The incident unfolded inside a home on Rock Creek Circle, where 49-year-old Gina Guyer was found suffering from a gunshot wound shortly after 10:30 p.m.
Responding officers were dispatched following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and a disturbance at the residence. When they entered the home, they discovered 74-year-old Gene Tomcho still holding the firearm used in the shooting. According to the Strongsville Police Department, Tomcho refused to comply with commands to drop the weapon, even after repeated verbal orders. Before officers could safely intervene, Tomcho turned the gun on himself, inflicting a critical self-inflicted wound.
Emergency medical personnel arrived within minutes, providing aid to both victims before transporting them to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Despite the efforts of doctors and paramedics, Gina Guyer was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Tomcho, though seriously injured, survived and remains in custody under continuous police supervision.
Police Chief Mark Fender confirmed that the case is being treated as a domestic-related homicide and emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active as detectives work to piece together what led to the fatal confrontation inside the home.
A Community in Shock
Neighbors on Rock Creek Circle describe the events of October 31, 2025, as surreal and horrifying. Many had been preparing for Halloween night festivities when the sound of gunfire shattered the calm. Residents say Tomcho had lived in the area for years and was generally quiet, often seen tending to his yard or chatting briefly with neighbors.
Gina Guyer, meanwhile, is remembered as vibrant and warm-hearted — someone who was always smiling and willing to help others. Friends and coworkers described her as “the kind of person who made ordinary moments special.” She reportedly worked locally and was active in community volunteer efforts.
A neighbor who asked not to be identified told reporters, “We heard two loud bangs, and then it went silent. A few minutes later, police cars came from every direction. It’s something this neighborhood has never seen before.”
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are still determining the exact nature of the relationship between Guyer and Tomcho. Early findings suggest that the two may have known each other for some time, though authorities have not disclosed whether they were relatives, neighbors with a dispute, or connected through another circumstance.
Tomcho now faces preliminary charges of murder and felonious assault, though investigators say additional charges may be filed once forensic and ballistic tests are complete. A court date will be scheduled once he is medically cleared for transfer from the hospital.
Police have collected the firearm from the scene and are reviewing evidence, including potential witness statements and any available security footage from nearby homes. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Guyer’s death a homicide caused by gunshot wounds.
Remembering Gina Guyer
As the Strongsville community mourns, friends and loved ones are focusing on remembering Gina Guyer for the light she brought into their lives rather than the violence that ended it. A memorial of flowers and candles now sits near the driveway of her Rock Creek Circle home, where neighbors have gathered to pay their respects.
“Gina was a kind soul,” one friend shared. “She cared deeply for people, whether she knew them well or not. To lose her like this—it just doesn’t make sense.”
The city of Strongsville, known for its calm, family-oriented neighborhoods, is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that unfolded on what should have been a night of laughter and community spirit. As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: the loss of Gina Guyer has left a void that words can scarcely fill.
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