On February 27, 2023, in Ohio Township near New Richmond, Ohio, deputies from the Clermont County Sheriff's Office arrived at the residence of 74-year-old William Felton to serve civil paperwork. As they approached, they heard multiple gunshots from inside the home. After unsuccessful attempts to contact the occupants, the Sheriff's Special Response Team entered the house and discovered five individuals with gunshot wounds.
Four were pronounced dead at the scene: William Felton; his daughter, 46-year-old Theresa Cain; her husband, 50-year-old Steven Cain; and their 13-year-old son, Ethan Cain. The couple's 20-year-old daughter, Samantha Cain, was found alive and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition.
Investigations revealed that Theresa Cain was responsible for the shootings. Based on physical evidence, the positioning of the deceased, and preliminary autopsy reports, authorities concluded that she fatally shot her family members before turning the gun on herself. The incident occurred as deputies arrived to serve an eviction notice, suggesting that the impending eviction may have been a factor.
Samantha Cain, the sole survivor, remained in critical condition following the tragedy. A student at Northern Kentucky University, she regained consciousness in April 2023 and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility to continue her recovery. The New Richmond community mourned the loss, especially of Ethan Cain, a middle school student remembered fondly by peers and staff. Counselors were made available to support grieving students and staff in the aftermath.
