On January 4, 2024, 33-year-old Michael Cusick was shot at his residence on Dearborn Street in Girard, Ohio. He sustained gunshot wounds to the stomach and chest and was transported to St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on January 6.
Following the incident, Cusick's girlfriend, 30-year-old Kristen V. Schmidt, was arrested and initially charged with felonious assault. After Cusick's death, the charge was elevated to murder. Schmidt claimed that she shot Cusick as he attempted to break into the home through the back door, stating they had been fighting throughout the night and citing a history of domestic violence.
In February 2024, the case was presented to a Trumbull County grand jury. Prosecutors sought an indictment for involuntary manslaughter, amending the original murder charge and dismissing the felonious assault charge. However, in July 2024, the grand jury declined to indict Schmidt on any charges, effectively dropping the case against her.
Michael Cusick was remembered as a beloved son and brother. He is survived by his mother, Valerie Gallo, and his sister, Angel Cusick. Funeral services were held on January 19, 2024, at Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home in Boardman, Ohio.
The circumstances surrounding Cusick's death and the subsequent legal proceedings have left lingering questions within the community. The case underscores the complexities involved in domestic incidents and the challenges faced in the pursuit of justice.
