On the morning of January 7, 2023, 26-year-old Jerrad Paul Casey of Apple Grove was found in the Ashton area with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. First responders attempted resuscitation near Ashton Upland Road but were unable to save him. His death was ruled a homicide by shooting.

Investigators identified a suspect and arrested 29-year-old James Ryan Hatfield of Gallipolis Ferry in connection with the killing. Court documents reported a contentious text exchange between Hatfield and Casey before the shooting, and a witness said Hatfield threatened to kill Casey if he appeared at an address on Willow Creek Road in Ashton; the shooting occurred near Ashton Upland Road.

If anyone has information about Casey, his movements that night, or the reported threats, please share what you know with investigators.