A mother’s desperate attempt to escape a violent marriage turned into a horrific nightmare when her husband ambushed her, killing their two young children, a seven-year-old boy and a seven-month-old baby, in a chilling act of violence. The tragedy unfolded in Tiffin, Ohio, leaving the community in shock.
On the evening of November 19, 2025, the mother believed her husband, Ryan Egan, was out of town as she packed belongings with Dustin Willie, the father of her eldest son, Ren. The plan was to leave the home due to ongoing domestic issues.
While the mother and Dustin gathered items inside, Ren and his baby brother, August, waited outside. Suddenly, at approximately 6:24 p.m., chaos erupted. Egan emerged from hiding, chasing Dustin and firing multiple shots. Witnesses reported screams and gunfire, leading to a frantic 911 call.
When police arrived, they found a scene of unimaginable horror. Dustin lay gravely injured, while both children had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. August was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ren and Dustin were rushed to the hospital but succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
The mother, left traumatized and overwhelmed, was the only survivor. Egan, 42, turned the gun on himself after committing the horrific act. Authorities later revealed that he had been lying in wait, a premeditated ambush that underscores the dangers of domestic violence.
In the days following the tragedy, the mother shared heart-wrenching memories of her children online. Just days before the shooting, she had celebrated Ren’s seventh birthday, posting joyful photos of the boys. Now, she expressed her despair, writing about the unbearable loss of her “cheeky little blue-eyed baby” and begging for her children to return.
The community has rallied around the grieving mother, establishing a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses and therapy costs. Local authorities emphasize the importance of mental health support for survivors of such violence, recognizing that the impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate loss.
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. The story serves as a chilling reminder of the volatility of domestic situations and the urgent need for support systems for those trapped in cycles of violence. The mother’s heartbreaking journey toward healing has only just begun, as she faces a future forever altered by this unimaginable loss.
