Brianna Marie Nelson, a 10-year-old girl from Elyria, Ohio, tragically passed away on July 28, 2020. She was a student at Crestwood Elementary School and enjoyed tap dancing, jazz, ballet, volleyball, and soccer. Brianna was known as "The Princess" of her family and loved spending time with her loved ones.
The cause of Brianna's death was part of a horrific incident that also claimed the lives of her parents, John R. Nelson and Robin M. Nelson , and her siblings, Gavin R.
Nelson and Liam J. Nelson . The family was found dead in their home, and it was determined that John Nelson shot his wife and three children before turning the gun on himself. The family dog was also found dead at the property.
Neighbors reported hearing loud bangs and screaming on the evening of July 27, 2020, but initially thought it was fireworks. Police were called to the home the following morning after John Nelson failed to show up for work, leading to the grim discovery. The investigation concluded that John Nelson was responsible for the deaths, but no motive was disclosed.
The Elyria community was deeply shaken by the tragedy, and the Elyria City Schools district provided trauma and crisis care counselors for students, parents, and staff. The incident remains a heartbreaking chapter in the history of Elyria, Ohio.
