On April 16, 2024, 26-year-old Brandon Chase Gunstanson of Middletown, Ohio, was fatally shot during an apparent road rage incident. Middletown police responded around 11:50 p.m. to reports of two vehicles involved in a confrontation near Manchester Avenue and Verity Parkway. Upon arrival, officers found Gunstanson's pickup truck crashed into a pole on South Clinton Street, with Gunstanson inside, suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that prior to the shooting, Gunstanson had an altercation at a local bar, where he allegedly used racial slurs and indicated he was armed. After leaving the bar, he reportedly followed another vehicle, ramming it multiple times while claiming to have a gun. This escalation led to the other vehicle's occupant firing shots, resulting in Gunstanson's death.
Following the incident, authorities identified and located both the driver and the shooter from the second vehicle. The case was presented to a Butler County grand jury, which, after reviewing the evidence, declined to issue any indictments. Prosecutor Michael Gmoser noted that Gunstanson's actions, including his aggressive pursuit and threats, contributed to the outcome, leading the grand jury to decide against filing charges.
Gunstanson, originally from Fort Worth, Texas, was a mechanic who enjoyed working on and flipping trucks. He is survived by his significant other, Jordan Langhorst, and their two young sons, Cooper and Bodey. A memorial service was held on April 29, 2024, in Fort Worth to honor his memory.
