TOLEDO, OH. (THECOUNT) — Melissa Shoop has been identified as the victim in a Monday morning murder-suicide in Maumee, Ohio, according to reports.
Shoop, 31, of Maumee, was shot dead Monday morning by 35-year-old John Paul Belew of Toledo, police said on Monday afternoon.
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The double-fatal incident occurred in the 1800 block of Craig Road near the Anthony Wayne Trail just after midnight after Belew shot Shoop before turning the gun on himself.
Officers received a call of shots fired at the Maumee resident. When they arrived, they found the couple suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
First responders attempted live-saving measure to no avail.
Police say the victims were in a relationship and have at least one daughter together.
Several young children where inside the dwelling when the shooting occurred.
There were three children in the home at the time, but they did not witness the shooting. Police are trying to determine who the children belong to, reports WTOL.
The shooting took place on the front porch of the home.
A motive in the shooting is still unclear at this time.
According to court records, Belew has a history of domestic violence. His Facebook page shows a previous mugshot as his profile picture.
He has faced violent charges four times in Maumee Municipal Court against Shoop, with an incident as recent as this past Friday, reports WTOL.
Friends and family members took to Facebook to remember the beloved woman:
Geo quick facts: Maumee is a city in Lucas County, Ohio, United States. Located along the Maumee River, it is about 10 miles southwest of Toledo. The population was 14,286 at the 2010 census. Maumee was declared an All-America City by the National Civic League in June 2006 – Wikipedia.