LORAIN COUNTY — A Lorain man accused in the July 10 fatal shooting of 34-year-old Ashlee Summer McPeak in Vermilion has been formally indicted on multiple counts of aggravated murder and related felonies that could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
The Case
According to the Lorain County Clerk of Courts docket, State of Ohio v. Bryan J. Hall was filed on July 18, 2025, following his arrest by Vermilion Police. The case was later transferred from Vermilion Municipal Court to the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas.
The docket shows that Hall, 35, of Lorain, was indicted on October 16, 2025. The entry reads:
“Indictment filed. Summons with copy of indictment issued to Lorain County Sheriff.”
Hall faces 18 felony counts, including aggravated murder, murder, kidnapping, felonious assault, and two counts of aggravated menacing. Each aggravated-murder charge includes firearm and capital specifications. If those specifications are proven in court, they would make Hall death-penalty eligible under Ohio Revised Code §2929.04(A), which covers killings committed during another felony or with prior calculation and design.
Hall remains in the Lorain County Jail on a $1 million cash bond. He is represented by defense attorney Michael J. Kinlin, and the case is being prosecuted by the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Shooting
According to police, officers were dispatched to 525 Ferndale Avenue at approximately 1:46 a.m. on July 10 after receiving reports of an armed domestic disturbance. Responding officers found McPeak outside the residence with gunshot wounds.
Investigators said Hall allegedly fired multiple rounds, striking McPeak twice before attempting to shoot himself but pulling away at the last moment. First responders provided emergency care, but McPeak was pronounced dead at the scene.
McPeak’s 10-year-old daughter witnessed the incident and called 911. She was later cared for at Fire Station 1 under the supervision of first responders until family members arrived from Tennessee.
About the Victim
Family and friends described McPeak as compassionate, spiritual, and devoted to her daughter. Originally from Virginia, she had been visiting Ohio and was scheduled to travel to Tennessee the following day. A funeral service was later held in Columbia, Tennessee, where her family resides.
Investigation
The investigation is being conducted by the Vermilion Police Department with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office, the Lorain County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The October 16 docket entry formally documents the indictment and issuance of a summons to the Lorain County Sheriff. As of October 17, the docket did not list an arraignment date in Lorain County Common Pleas Court.
Community Impact
McPeak’s death has left a deep mark on the Vermilion community, prompting renewed conversations about domestic violence and support for survivors. Tributes to her life have been shared on GunMemorial.org, where family and friends continue to honor her memory.
To support her daughter during this unimaginably difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been created for her daughter. You can view it or donate here.
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.