Rosalie Annabella Martin, a 4-year-old girl from East Liverpool, Ohio, tragically lost her life on January 22, 2025. She was born on October 21, 2020, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Jessel and Jennifer Martin. Rosalie was at a nearby business when she was struck by gunfire during a violent incident in St. Clair Township. She was immediately flown to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
The shooting occurred when St. Clair Township police responded to a report of a suicidal man walking down St. Clair Avenue. Officers attempted to engage with the suspect, identified as Joseph Como, but he opened fire. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Detective Dakota Wetzel was shot in the head, and Rosalie Martin, who was in the vicinity, was also hit. Wetzel was transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he remained in intensive care but was able to show signs of responsiveness. Como, the suspect, was shot by officers and later died from his injuries.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation launched an independent inquiry into the incident. Autopsies were scheduled for both Rosalie Martin and Joseph Como to determine the exact circumstances of their deaths. In response to the tragedy, the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office took over patrol duties in the township while local officers processed the aftermath. The community rallied together, offering support to the affected families and law enforcement personnel. The Ohio FOP Foundation initiated a fundraising effort to assist the families of Detective Wetzel and Rosalie Martin.
Rosalie Martin’s passing left a profound impact on her family and the community. She is survived by her parents, siblings, grandmothers, uncles, and aunts. Her family received an outpouring of condolences and support from those mourning the loss of the young girl. Private arrangements were entrusted to Everhart-Bove Funeral Homes. The tragic event underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement and the devastating consequences of gun violence in public spaces.
