Man charged with murder

SANDUSKY — A man who's accused of fatally shooting a woman and engaging in a standoff with police is now facing a murder charge. Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver said that his department arrested Jerry L. Watkins III, 37, of the 700 block of Sycamore St., on Wednesday evening. Oliver said that Watkins is currently charged with one count of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old woman who lived in the same residence as him. Furthermore, he could face additional charges after the Erie County prosecutor's office reviews the results of his department's investigation and presents them to a future grand jury session. Regarding what led up to the shooting, Oliver said that their investigation thus far indicates that there was an argument between the victim and Watkins and that other family members were present in the home at the time of the shooting. As of late Thursday, Watkins remains inside the Erie County Jail without bond. Court records do not specify the date of his initial appearance. Background The incident occurred at a home in the 700 block of Sycamore St., prompting a large-scale police response that began around 5:40 p.m. after the shooting was reported. A standoff ensued, and some of the officers on scene entered the home. Oliver said that once officers entered the home, they found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds. Police and first responders removed her from the scene and took her to a local hospital where she later died. An autopsy performed by the Lucas County coroner's office revealed that the victim had sustained three gunshot wounds, Oliver said. "We recovered a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol during the execution of the search warrant as well as four 9 mm shell casings and the knife," Oliver said. Oliver said that during the standoff, Watkins retreated to the second floor, barricaded himself, and was armed with a knife. After a brief standoff, officers and members of the Special Response Team safely took Watkins into custody. He appeared to have self-inflicted injuries on his neck, arms and chest.