Officials: Officer-Involved Shooting In Marshall Co. Justified
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Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty, in a Saturday afternoon statement, expressed his gratitude to Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro for ruling that Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Minder’s shooting of Cyle Fabrizio on Oct. 1 was justified.
"The events of October 1 were among the most difficult and tragic circumstances our deputies can face. Deputy Minder and Deputy (Nate) Klempa responded to what initially appeared to be a domestic disturbance, only to find themselves confronting an armed individual who had already taken innocent lives and was holding a juvenile at gunpoint," Dougherty said.
In the early morning of Oct. 1, Marshall County Sheriff’s deputies including Minder and Klempa responded to a call on Middle Grave Creek Road. When they arrived, Fabrizio fired a pistol at them and held a 16-year-old hostage at gunpoint.
Minder fired one round from his department-issued patrol rifle, striking and killing Fabrizio.
Following the shooting, deputies entered the residence and discovered David Will, 44, and his wife, Monica Will, 46, dead from gunshot wounds. An investigation indicated that Fabrizio had killed the couple before holding their daughter hostage. The Wills’ two children survived the incident.
"I commend Deputy Minder, Deputy Klempa, and the other deputies who responded for their training, professionalism, discipline, and commitment to protecting human life,” Dougherty said. “They were forced to make critical decisions in a matter of seconds under extraordinarily dangerous circumstances. Their actions reflect the importance of sound training, sound judgment, and the ability to remain focused when lives are at stake."
Dougherty also emphasized that the prosecutor's determination does not diminish the profound loss experienced by the Will family and the community.
"While I am grateful for the prosecutor's thorough review and determination, there is no victory in an incident that leaves three people dead and a family forever changed,” he said. “David and Monica Will lost their lives, their children have endured an unimaginable tragedy, and our community has been deeply affected. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who loved David and Monica.
"Deputy Minder was placed in an impossible situation in which immediate action was necessary to protect a child's life,” Dougherty continued. “I support him and the deputies who stood beside him that morning. I also recognize the emotional weight these events carry for the deputies involved. They take an oath to protect others, and that responsibility can require decisions no officer ever wants to make."
Dougherty reiterated that the Marshall County Sheriff's Office remains committed to professional service, continued training, accountability, and the protection of the community.
"Our responsibility is to serve this community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion,” he said. “We will continue to support our deputies, learn from difficult incidents, and honor the lives lost by remaining committed to the safety and well being of the people we serve."