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Publish date: 2024-06-20

A deadly shooting rampage at an Ohio mobile home park has left four people dead, including the gunman, and one resident seriously wounded. The tragic incident occurred on November 17 at Mentor Green Mobile Estates in Mentor, Ohio, devastating the close-knit community.

Shots Ring Out, Leaving Death and Chaos

Around 4:30 pm on Thursday, residents reported hearing multiple gunshots outside their homes. Police arrived to find three victims fatally shot, including property manager Laura Colon, 62. 63-year-old resident Terrance Mathis Sr. was critically wounded but died later at the hospital.

The gunman, identified as 47-year-old resident Jason Norris, began firing at officers. They took cover without returning fire as Norris retreated into his home. A hostage negotiation team tried contacting him to no avail. A drone sent inside late Thursday revealed Norris had died by suicide.

Beloved Manager, Two Residents Killed

In addition to Colon and Mathis, 81-year-old resident Thomas Galizia was found dead at the scene. Colon was described as a caring manager who had become a dear friend to many residents over her long tenure.

63-year-old Charles Skala was shot in the shoulder and leg but survived. He painfully recalled seeing Norris wielding two pistols just before the rampage began. Several residents had to evacuate amidst the chaos before returning home Friday morning.

Shooter Had Faced Eviction

Details have emerged that Norris was facing eviction from the mobile home community he terrorized. Witnesses said he had been in an altercation with manager Laura Colon prior to brandishing guns and fatally shooting her. When three residents including Skala came to Colon's aid, Norris also shot them.

While circumstances precipitating the rampage are still under investigation, it is believed the impending eviction triggered Norris’s violent response.

Community Mourns Tragic Losses

The Mentor community is reeling from this devastating tragedy that claimed four lives without warning. In addition to tremendous grief, many residents are also grappling with the trauma and fear of such an unthinkable act of violence at their doorsteps.

Survivor Charles Skala is mourning the loss of his dear friend and manager Laura Colon, while recovering physically and emotionally from the nightmare he endured. He described Colon as a kind person whose shocking death is “a shame.”

Seeking Healing and Reclaiming Peace

While the motive behind Norris’s murderous actions may never be fully understood, the community he devastated is seeking pathways to heal and reclaim peace.

Local authorities are providing resources to help residents process and recover from this trauma. Neighbors are coming together to honor victims with memorials, find solace through shared grief, and gradually restore the comfort of home after it was so horrifically shattered.

Though deeply shaken, the bonds of community give hope that one day, the darkness of this tragedy will make way for light once more.