Joseph Cales, a 41-year-old resident of New Boston, Ohio, was fatally shot on December 6, 2023. The incident occurred around 5 PM in the 4200 block of Rhodes Avenue in Portsmouth. Emergency services responded to the scene, but Cales succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. His death has been classified as a homicide resulting from gun violence, contributing to ongoing concerns about safety in the region.
Following the shooting, law enforcement quickly identified a suspect in the case. Gary Whisman, a 54-year-old from McDermott, was arrested in connection with Cales' death. The Portsmouth Police Chief confirmed that Whisman was taken into custody without incident shortly after the shooting. He is facing charges related to the incident, although specific details regarding the charges have not been fully disclosed yet.
The community has reacted with shock and grief over the loss of Cales, who is remembered by family and friends as a valued member of their lives. As investigations continue, local authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
