On February 26, 2023, 38-year-old Meagan Kennedy Stanford of Greenville, South Carolina, was fatally shot during an attempted carjacking at a Shell gas station near Interstate 71 in Marengo, Ohio. Stanford, who was in the process of moving to Ohio with her three younger sons to join her husband, was pumping gas when the incident occurred.
The assailant, identified as Keith Moser of Columbus, Ohio, had earlier attempted to steal a vehicle on the northbound off-ramp of State Route 61, resulting in gunfire. He then proceeded to the gas station, where he tried to hijack a minivan at the pump, shooting Stanford in the process. Moser subsequently fired at a U-Haul van; the driver returned fire, leading to a physical altercation involving multiple individuals. Both Stanford and Moser died at the scene from gunshot wounds.
Investigations revealed that prior to the Marengo incident, Moser had engaged in a series of criminal activities in Columbus, including vehicle theft and attempted robbery. The Morrow County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Stanford, a mother of four and grandmother, was remembered by family and friends as a "beautiful soul." Her unexpected death has left a profound impact on her loved ones and the community.
Authorities have not announced any additional arrests related to the incident, and the case remains under investigation. The community mourns the loss of Meagan Kennedy Stanford and extends condolences to her family during this difficult time.
