In the wake of the deadly shooting that occurred in New Boston on Wednesday, new details have emerged.
Portsmouth Police have identified the shooting victim as Joseph Cales, 41, of New Boston. Police also identified the suspect as Gary Whisman, 54 of McDermott.
After being questioned by Portsmouth Detectives, Whisman and a woman believed to be Barbara Sowards, the victim’s mother, were returned to the home and scene of the shooting in New Boston.
An arrest was not made. Portsmouth Police Chief, Debby Brewer, said there were discussions with the County Prosecutor Shane Tieman. It was decided that the case would be forwarded to the Scioto County Grand Jury for consideration.
A source tells SCDN that the incident took place as the mother was moving out of her New Boston home. When police arrived, there was a moving truck parked outside.
In response to certain items being moved out of the house, Cales became angry. A source says Cales confronted Whisman with a knife and demanded that no more items be removed. Fearing for his life, our source says, Whisman shot Cales in self-defense.
A background check on Cales revealed several previous encounters with the police and arrests.
Those previous arrests included: Parole Violation (2), Domestic Violence (3), Felonious Assault, Aggravated Menacing, and Probation Violation (2).
SCDN has also received reports that Cales killed the family dog just a few days prior to this incident.
We will continue to follow this story and will continue to provide details as they emerge.
Read our original report and hear the emergency response here.
