Vermilion man indicted on capital murder charges

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — 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 felonies. This would include multiple counts of aggravated murder, which, if convicted, could make Bryan J. Hall, 35, eligible for the death penalty. The case Hall's court case began on July 18, following his arrest by Vermilion police, according to Lorain County court records. The case originated in Vermilion Municipal Court, then transferred to Lorain County. The docket shows that Hall was indicted on Thursday. Hall faces 18 felony counts, broken down with: • Five counts of aggravated murder, which, in this case, are considered "unclassified felonies, eligible for the death penalty," according to court documents "Prosecutors allege Hall caused the death of Ashlee McPeak with prior calculation and design and/or while committing kidnapping or felonious assault," according to court documents. "Each count includes firearm and capital (death penalty) specifications." • Seven counts of murder, which, in this case, are considered "unclassified felonies," the docket reads Hall is "accused of purposely causing McPeak's death or causing her death during the commission of another felony," the docket reads. "Each count includes firearm and offense-in-course-of-felony specifications." • Four counts of kidnapping, all considered first-degree felonies Hall "allegedly restrained or removed McPeak's liberty to terrorize, harm or facilitate another felony, (which) includes firearm and violent-offense specifications," the docket reads. • Two counts of felonious assault, both considered second-degree felonies Hall is "accused of causing or attempting to cause serious physical harm using a deadly weapon, (which) includes firearm and repeat-violent-offender specifications." If those specifications of aggravated murder are proven in court, then they would make Hall eligible for the death penalty under state law. As of late Friday, Hall remains locked up in the Lorain County Jail on a $1 million bond. He is represented by defense attorney Michael Kinlin, and the case is being prosecuted by the Lorain County prosecutor's office. The incident Officers responded to 525 Ferndale Ave. just after 1:45 a.m. on July 10 after receiving reports of an armed domestic disturbance, according to police. 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, a report read. 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 Vermilion Fire Station No. 1 under the supervision of first responders until family members arrived from Tennessee. Authorities have not confirmed how the two, Hall and McPeak, knew one another. The investigation was conducted by Vermilion police with assistance from the Lorain County prosecutor's office, the Lorain County coroner's office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Thursday's docket entry formally documents the indictment and issuance of a summons to the Lorain County sheriff. As of Friday, the docket did not list an arraignment date in Lorain County Common Pleas Court. Death felt on community 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 later took place in Columbia, Tennessee, where her family resides. 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. Someone established an online fundraiser to benefit her daughter. People can visit gofundme.com and search for "Support April Rayne McPeak after tragic loss of her mother." It was created by Naireeta Deb.