An Ohio father had planned to kill his three sons for months before he lined them up and executed them with a rifle Thursday, documents released Monday state.
Chad Doerman, 32, is charged with aggravated murder of the boys, ages 3, 4 and 7. Here’s what we know about the killings.
What happened? 911 calls, panic, babies shot
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple 911 calls Thursday just after 4 p.m. One caller screamed that her “babies had been shot,” another said there was a young woman running down the street yelling that “her father was killing everyone.”
Deputies swarmed the home in Monroe Township, Ohio, and found the boys in the front yard, police said. Prosecutors said Doerman had lined his children up and executed them. When one of the boys tried to flee, he “hunted” him down, brought him back to the house and killed him, the prosecutor said.
The boy’s mother was shot in the hand trying to stop Doerman, officials said.
Bodycam video: Chad Doerman says he won’t hurt anyone
A deputy approached Doerman and pulled him down on his stomach to handcuff him as his dog barks in the background.
“I ain’t gonna hurt nobody,” Doerman said calmly. He also told the officers his dog wouldn’t bite them.
As a deputy is walking him to a cruiser, Doerman asks if to take his wallet out of his back pocket.
“Shut up, dude,” the deputy replies. “You have the right to remain silent. (Expletive) use it.”
Chad Doerman’s past
Other than traffic citations and one decade-old domestic violence charge, Doerman has no serious criminal offenses, according to court documents and statements from his public defender.
The domestic violence charge stems from Doerman allegedly choking his father in 2010, according to court records.
The case ultimately was dismissed, apparently after the alleged victim – identified as Keith Doerman, Chad Doerman’s father – failed to appear as a prosecution witness.
The community rallies around the Doerman family
At least two prayer events were hosted by New Richmond area churches over the weekend. A third event is planned for Sunday, June 25 and is meant to remember both the slain children and honor first responders.
Residents have said the killings have left them shaken. This is the second family shooting in the community. In February, a murder-suicide left a man, his son and another relative dead before Theresa Cain took her own life.
The New Richmond Exempted School District offered grief counselors to the community on Friday.
A GoFundMe campaign to help the surviving mother and daughter has raised over $200,000.
Will Doerman face the death penalty?
Doerman could face the death penalty, but prosecutors have not said whether they intend to seek it. Investigators have not shared any details about a possible motive.
He appeared in Clermont County Municipal Court on Friday wearing shackles and thick green vest used by corrections officers to prevent people from attempting to kill or harm themselves.
Doerman did not speak, but appeared to become emotional at one point during the hearing.
His bond was set at $20 million. Prosecutors said they know of no other person who is a greater threat to the community. They said they would seek to hold him without bond as soon as they are able.
Doerman is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 26. Due to the felony level of the charges, a grand jury will be convened to decide what charges, if any, Doerman will be indicted on.
If Doerman is indicted, his case will be moved to Clermont County Common Pleas Court which adjudicates felony offenses.
