Darke County Police Investigating Shooting, Chase, and Fatal Crash Involving Multiple Victims – Authorities Name the Deceased and Pursue Full Investigation into Violent Series of Events

Darke County, OH – March 13, 2025 – The Darke County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is conducting an intense investigation into a deadly and violent sequence of events that transpired on the evening of March 13, 2025. The tragic incident involved a shooting, high-speed police pursuit, and a fatal crash, with the authorities confirming multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

Names of the Victims:

• Victim 1: Samantha Collins, the female victim found deceased at the scene of the shooting.
• Victim 2: James Matthews, a male individual who died from injuries sustained during the crash.
• Victim 3: Marcus Williams, another male involved in the crash who was found ejected from the vehicle and remains in critical condition.
• Suspect: Unidentified, taken into custody at the crash site.

According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call reporting a shooting at a private residence along State Route 571. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Samantha Collins, a 35-year-old woman, dead at the scene with visible gunshot wounds. Early reports suggest that Collins was the victim of a targeted attack, though authorities have not released details about the nature of the incident or any possible motives.

Following the shooting, the suspect, whose identity is still being withheld by law enforcement, allegedly fled the scene in a high-performance vehicle, setting off a chase with the responding deputies. The pursuit, which escalated to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveled across several rural routes in Darke County before ultimately reaching a tragic conclusion at the intersection of Beamsville-Union City Road and Colesville Lightsville Road.

At this point, the suspect’s vehicle crashed violently, flipping several times, resulting in catastrophic injuries to the individuals inside. Authorities reported that one of the victims, Marcus Williams, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was found lying near the wreckage. He was quickly airlifted via CareFlight helicopter to a nearby hospital but remains in critical condition with severe injuries.

Inside the wreckage of the vehicle, James Matthews, a 30-year-old male, was found deceased, though initial reports suggest that he may have been incapacitated due to the high-speed crash before ultimately succumbing to his injuries.

In addition to the two CareFlight helicopters summoned to the scene, emergency responders from several local fire departments and law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to secure the area and assist with the victims. The crash site was a chaotic scene, with emergency vehicles blocking off roads and paramedics working to stabilize the injured.

Investigation and Arrest:

At the conclusion of the crash, law enforcement apprehended the suspect at the scene of the wreck. Though they have not released the identity of the individual, officials confirmed that the suspect was treated for injuries sustained in the crash and has been placed in custody. They are facing charges related to the shooting, attempted murder, high-speed flight from law enforcement, and likely charges related to manslaughter or murder in connection to the fatal crash.

A spokesperson for the Darke County Sheriff’s Office stated, “This is a rapidly evolving investigation. We are currently conducting interviews, reviewing evidence, and piecing together all of the events that occurred before, during, and after the shooting and crash. It is clear that these events were the result of dangerous and violent actions, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served for the victims.”

The Sheriff’s Office is reportedly looking into potential connections between the shooter and the victims. Initial reports indicate that Samantha Collins may have been targeted personally, but authorities have refrained from providing specifics on whether there were prior criminal connections or motives that led to the shooting.

Details of the Pursuit and Crash:

The police chase began shortly after the shooting was reported. Deputies began following the suspect’s vehicle, which was reportedly traveling at high speeds. The vehicle was described as a black sedan, though further details regarding the make and model have not yet been provided by law enforcement. Witnesses who were on the road during the chase described seeing the suspect weaving in and out of traffic, at times driving on the shoulder of the highway to avoid pursuing officers.

The chase continued for several miles before it reached the intersection of Beamsville-Union City Road and Colesville Lightsville Road. According to reports from the scene, the suspect lost control of the vehicle at the intersection, which was a sharp curve, causing the car to flip multiple times before it came to a stop.

The chaotic nature of the crash left debris scattered across the intersection, and law enforcement quickly closed off nearby roads to investigate the scene. Emergency responders worked in unison to extract the victims from the wreckage and stabilize those who were still alive.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation:

The tragic series of events has left the local community in shock. Several local residents expressed their disbelief at the violence that unfolded in such a small, quiet town. Local businesses along State Route 571 have been closed for the day as a precaution, and many schools in the area have been placed on high alert.

“I’ve lived in this community for 20 years, and I’ve never heard of something like this happening here,” said a local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s just heartbreaking to know that someone could do something so violent.”

Local schools have issued statements to parents about the incident, urging them to talk to their children about the tragic events and offering counseling services for those who need it. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time,” said a spokesperson for the Darke County School District.

Authorities are also asking anyone with information about the shooting, the chase, or the crash to come forward. Local law enforcement has set up a tip line and is encouraging residents to share any relevant information that might help in the investigation.

Looking Ahead:

As the investigation continues, there are likely to be more updates, including the release of the suspect’s identity and details surrounding any prior criminal history or connections to the victims. The authorities have promised to provide more details as they are able, but they cautioned that the investigation will take time.

In the meantime, the families of the victims are left to mourn their losses. Samantha Collins, James Matthews, and Marcus Williams are remembered by loved ones as vibrant, hardworking individuals whose lives were tragically cut short by this violent series of events. The community has set up a memorial fund to support the families and honor the victims’ memories.

The Darke County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to stay calm and allow the investigation to unfold. The tragic chain of events that occurred on the evening of March 13, 2025, has deeply impacted the local community, and it is clear that the aftermath of this event will continue to be felt for months, if not years, to come.

As more information becomes available, Channel 2 NOW will continue to report on the ongoing investigation and provide updates on this tragic case.