Christie and McKinley McWilliams were remembered during calling hours and a funeral Saturday at Rittman United Methodist Church.
RITTMAN, OH — Hundreds of mourners gathered Saturday evening to honor Christie McWilliams and her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley, who were killed during a shooting that also claimed the life of a longtime Rittman police officer.
The July 11 services at Rittman United Methodist Church gave relatives, friends, classmates and other community members a place to remember the mother and daughter six days after their deaths. Calling hours were held from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a funeral at the church. Their ashes were to be buried at Rittman Cemetery.
Christie McWilliams, 43, and McKinley McWilliams died July 5 after officers responded to a report of a break-in and gunfire at a Rittman home. Rittman police Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, was also killed. Authorities said officers came under immediate gunfire when they arrived.
Four other law enforcement officers were injured during the response, including three Medina County sheriff’s deputies and a Hinckley police officer. Two were taken to a hospital in stable condition, while the others were treated at the scene. A police dog also suffered serious injuries.
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as 38-year-old Brandon Fazekas. He also died during the incident. Investigators have not publicly released a complete account of the shooting or explained all the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Officials have described Christie McWilliams as Fazekas’ former partner.
Those attending Saturday’s service remembered Christie and McKinley through the interests and relationships that shaped their lives. The two shared a close bond, a love of country music and memories from trips they took together, according to their obituaries.
McKinley attended Norwayne Middle School, where she was remembered as a joyful and energetic student. She played softball and volleyball and valued the friendships she formed with teammates. Outside sports, she enjoyed drawing, making artwork and creating videos. Her obituary also described her close relationship with her brother, Landon, and her affection for the family’s cats, Brutus and Lucy.
Christie attended Rittman High School and later earned credentials as a licensed practical nurse. She worked in real estate with Howard Hanna and also held a job in medical credentialing. Her obituary said her greatest happiness came from being a mother and supporting Landon and McKinley, including cheering for her daughter at sporting events.
Friends created a commemorative T-shirt fundraiser reflecting Christie and McKinley’s love of country music and McKinley’s interest in softball. Other community events were organized to support their family and Ries’ family, including a cookout, bake sale and food truck rally.
The mother and daughter were remembered during a week of public mourning across Rittman. Residents lined local streets during memorial processions, placed tributes around the community and joined events supporting the families affected by the shooting. Ries, a 10-year member of the Rittman Police Department, was laid to rest Friday.
The investigation into the shooting remained active Sunday. Authorities had not announced additional suspects or released a final account of what led to the gunfire. Community members, meanwhile, continued gathering to support the McWilliams and Ries families and to remember the three people killed.
Author note: Last updated July 12, 2026.