Carl Thomas Beranek Sr., a 69-year-old man from Dillonvale, Ohio, tragically passed away on December 12, 2021. He was born on March 12, 1952, and worked for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel for 35 years before retiring. Carl was known for his love of camping at Seneca Lake, fishing, and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debora Beranek, his son Carl Beranek Jr., three brothers, and two grandsons.
Carl Thomas Beranek Sr.'s death was part of a tragic incident that
occurred on December 13, 2021, in Mill Township, Tuscarawas County. Carl, along with his daughter Dawn Michele Wills, 48, and her husband Richard William Wills II, 67, were found dead at the scene. The incident was initially investigated as a potential double murder/suicide. Richard Wills II was identified as the suspected shooter. Dawn Wills had called 911 from the home, indicating she was in distress and heard gunshots in the background.
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and found Carl and Richard Wills dead in the same room, with Dawn Wills also shot and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The investigation involved collecting numerous items from the home for evidence analysis, including a handgun. Detectives worked to determine possible motives for the shooting, but no further details were released at the time.
The tragic loss of Carl Thomas Beranek Sr. and the circumstances surrounding his death deeply affected his family and the community. The sheriff's office expressed condolences to all the families involved during the holiday season.
