Seritha Arnaz Ballantyne, 45, was fatally shot in the head at her home on Natalie Road in Bedford, Ohio, on December 23, 2023. The shooting prompted an immediate law enforcement investigation and drew attention in the community.

Authorities identified 41-year-old Joseph Bowman, known as JD Bowman, as the primary suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. Bowman was reported at large in the days after the killing, prompting a search that involved local police and U.S. Marshals. On December 26, Bowman turned himself in and was charged with Ballantyne’s murder. Motive has not been disclosed.

Friends and family remember Seritha as a caring person who was deeply loved. If anyone has information about Seritha, her movements that day, or the events leading up to December 23, please come forward and share what you know.