49-Year-Old Gina Guyer Identified as Victim in Fatal Strongsville Halloween Shooting
Strongsville, Ohio — What was meant to be an ordinary Halloween evening turned into a scene of heartbreak and disbelief in a quiet suburban neighborhood. The tragic events unfolded inside a home on Rock Creek Circle, where 49-year-old Gina Guyer was found fatally wounded following a domestic-related shooting that has shaken the Strongsville community to its core.
According to the Strongsville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the residence shortly after 9:30 p.m. on October 31, 2025, after receiving reports of shots fired and possible injuries. When law enforcement arrived, they encountered a deeply distressing scene — Gina Guyer lying inside the home with gunshot wounds, and 74-year-old Gene Tomcho, the alleged shooter, still holding a firearm.
Despite repeated commands from officers to drop the weapon, Tomcho reportedly refused to comply. Moments later, he turned the gun on himself. Both Guyer and Tomcho were quickly transported to MetroHealth Medical Center by emergency responders. Tragically, Gina Guyer succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, while Tomcho survived and was placed under police guard during his treatment.
Investigators have since confirmed that the incident was domestic-related, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The exact nature of the relationship between Guyer and Tomcho has not been fully disclosed, though authorities described it as “personal and long-term.”
Gina Guyer, remembered by friends and colleagues as a compassionate and warm-hearted woman, was well-known in the Strongsville area. Those close to her describe her as someone who exuded kindness, strength, and humor even in life’s most difficult moments. She was an active member of her local church and a supportive friend to many in the community. Her passing has left family members and loved ones reeling from an unthinkable loss.
“She was always the first to show up for people — whether it was to help a friend move, bring food to someone in need, or just listen,” said Marie Duncan, a longtime friend. “She didn’t deserve this. None of us can believe she’s gone.”
Court documents show that Gene Tomcho, who remains hospitalized, now faces multiple charges, including murder and felonious assault. Authorities have stated that additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. Tomcho’s mental state and possible motive are still being evaluated.
Police spent hours processing the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing neighbors who reported hearing loud arguing moments before gunfire erupted. “I heard shouting and then a series of pops — I thought it was fireworks because of Halloween,” said one neighbor who requested to remain anonymous. “Then everything went silent.”
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified Gina Guyer as the victim on November 1, 2025, and an autopsy confirmed her cause of death as a gunshot wound.
Community members have begun to leave flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages near the driveway of her home. A small memorial now stands as a reminder of a life cut short and of the loved ones left behind.
Strongsville Police Chief Mark Fender expressed condolences to Gina’s family, stating, “This was a tragic, senseless act of violence. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and everyone affected by this loss. Domestic-related incidents like these leave lasting scars on everyone involved.”
As investigators continue piecing together the final moments leading up to the shooting, Gina’s loved ones are preparing to celebrate her life in a private memorial service later this week. She leaves behind her son, close friends, and a community that will forever remember her as someone whose kindness never wavered.
Her passing serves as a painful reminder of the toll of domestic violence — and of the lives forever changed by it.
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