William H. Lax III, 44, of Dover, Ohio, was fatally shot on February 3, 2015, and later died at Aultman Hospital in Canton. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and time at the Tuscarawas River, worked for Zorzi, Inc., and was remembered by family and friends for his cooking and love of animals.

The shooting occurred during a rent visit to the apartment of 58-year-old William H. Lyons (also reported as William H. Lyons). According to Lyons, the two had been drinking and Lyons had been smoking marijuana; when Lax allegedly refused repeated requests to leave, Lyons took a .357 magnum from a gun rack and said Lax charged and grabbed the barrel, whereupon Lyons fired a single round. Lyons called 911 and was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter with a gun specification. The first jury trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury and prosecutors announced plans for a retrial; Lyons faced up to 11 years if convicted.

Lax’s death left a void for his family and friends. If anyone knew William Lax III or was at the scene that night, please share what was seen or heard.