What should have been a desperate but hopeful escape from domestic violence instead turned into one of the most horrifying crimes a small community has ever seen.
A Tiffin, Ohio mother working to leave an abusive enlisted the father of her oldest child to help her collect belongings from her home — believing her husband was out of town. Minutes later, two children and the man helping protect them lay dying, and their killer had turned the gun on himself.
A Terrifying Ambush
Police say the mother and the father of her older child were gathering items inside the home while the children — a 7-year-old boy and a 7-month-old baby — waited outside. When they heard the older child cry out, they rushed out to see the husband suddenly in the driveway.
Without a word, he pushed past the mother and opened fire, chasing the man down before turning the gun on the children.
The mother carried her babies back inside, clinging to hope as she called 911, but it was too late.
The man then shot himself.
The Lives Lost
29-year-old Dustin Willey, the 7-year-old boy’s father, died at the hospital.
A friend shared in grief:
“He was the kind of father any child would be blessed to have… his love for his son was in everything he did.”
Another wrote:
“Your kindness, your laughter… the way you loved your child so deeply showed the kind of man you were.”
The children — a joyful 7-year-old, and a sweet baby boy just learning to say “mom” — didn’t survive.
Their grandmother shared a heartbreaking message:
“I watched my grandson take his first breath 7 years ago and I watched him take his last breath last night… his beautiful blue eyes peeking through his bloody face.”
“My daughter begged him to kill her too. But he killed himself instead.”
“Our family is devastated.”
A Hard Truth: Leaving Can Be the Most Dangerous Time
Domestic violence experts stress that the most lethal moment in an abusive relationship is when the victim tries to leave.
While every situation is different, police urge anyone escaping abuse to plan with law enforcement:
🔹 Ask for a police standby when retrieving belongings
🔹 Have a safe location ready for both you and your children
🔹 Alert neighbors or family to be ready if something feels off
🔹 Call 911 immediately if an abuser is present unexpectedly
🔹 Document threats, stalking, or weapons access
If you or someone you love is in danger:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
💬 Text “START” to 88788
Because no one should ever die trying to get safe.
Community Grieves
Tiffin Ohio Police, fire crews, hospital staff, school counselors, and residents are all reeling. Authorities are still investigating alongside the Ohio BCI and the county coroner.
The mother is being shielded under Marsy’s Law and has asked for privacy as she faces the unimaginable — life without her children.
Her family asks the community for one thing:
“Listen to your gut. Leave. Now.”
“Please pray for us.”