WEST CHESTER, OH – Authorities have identified the man shot and killed by West Chester police officers during a domestic dispute response late Thursday night.
The Incident and Bodycam Footage
During a press conference, Police Chief Brian Rebholz announced that Lorenzo Miller, 39, died from a single gunshot wound.
The incident began around 9:50 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, when a neighbor reported a woman screaming for help inside an apartment on the 9000 block of Zinnia Court.
Bodycam footage released by the department shows officers knocking and announcing their presence before entering the home to conduct a protective search. Upon entering a bathroom, officers discovered Miller holding a knife to a 31-year-old woman’s throat. An officer fired one shot, killing Miller and freeing the victim.
Victim Status and Suspect History
The woman was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. Chief Rebholz revealed that Miller was on parole at the time and had a criminal history of violent offenses, including:
- Aggravated murder
- Involuntary manslaughter
Following standard protocol, the four officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. The West Chester Township administration has requested the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to conduct an independent review of the shooting.
Community Reaction
The quiet apartment complex, located just five minutes from the police department, has been left shaken by the sudden violence.
Local resident Perry Surber, who has lived in the complex for seven years, praised the neighbor who called 911. “I’m really glad there was a concerned citizen,” Surber said. Another neighbor, Eric Hamm, reflected on the situation, stating, “Crazy stuff happens everywhere. You can’t control it.”
