Stow, Ohio — A tragic incident at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Stow has left the community and Cleveland State University in mourning. The unexpected deaths of a CSU alumna and another individual on Aug. 15, in what investigators are treating as a murder-suicide, has deeply affected those who knew the victims.
Megan Keleman, 25, a recent MBA graduate from CSU, was identified by the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office as the homicide victim. The shooter was identified as Jason Williams, 53, of Cuyahoga Falls. Witnesses reported that Williams exited his vehicle in the drive-thru line, approached Keleman’s car, and shot her before turning the gun on himself. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
A distress call about a collision escalated into a crisis situation around 7:19 p.m., prompting an immediate police response to multiple reports of gunfire at the location.
Richard Perloff, Distinguished Professor of Communications at Cleveland State University, expressed his profound grief over the loss of Keleman. “The manner in which she died is simply unthinkable,” said Perloff, who had formed a close mentoring relationship with Keleman during her time at university.
Keleman, remembered by her professors for her intelligence and maturity, had made significant contributions to campus journalism. In 2019, she joined The Cauldron, the university’s student newspaper, as managing editor, a role she took on during the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perloff recalls her dedication to maintaining high journalistic standards despite the obstacles posed by the pandemic. “She was a remarkable young woman who managed journalism with grace and professionalism,” he said.
Her resilience and leadership left a lasting impact on the university’s journalism scene. During her tenure, The Cauldron moved mostly to digital production, a transition Keleman managed effectively.
Outside of her academic achievements, Keleman was employed at Shelter Care, Inc. in Tallmadge, where she worked with children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Her obituary highlights her commitment to community service and her passion for making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
The city of Stow and its residents expressed their condolences, coming together for a vigil held on Aug. 18 to honor Keleman’s memory. Mayor John Pribonic emphasized the importance of unity in the face of such devastating events. “As we mourn the tragic loss of one of our community members, let us draw closer together to support one another and honor her memory,” Mayor Pribonic said.
Funeral services for Keleman are scheduled to be held on Aug. 22 at Riverwood Chapel in Kent, providing an opportunity for friends, family, and community members to celebrate her life and contributions.
This incident has left a void in the community, highlighting the unexpected and sudden tragedies that can strike, altering lives within moments. As Stow grapples with this loss, the strength and cohesion of the community are poignant reminders of the human capacity for resilience and mutual support during the darkest times.