James Sharpstene Obituary, Death – Authorities in Wayne County are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning in the Town of Ontario, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old man. Deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed the identity of the victim as James Sharpstene.
The incident happened on Brookway Crescent, a residential area in the town, just before 2:00 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to the scene in response to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Sharpstene inside the home, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement officials indicated that a woman was also found at the residence when deputies arrived. She was transported to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for questioning in connection with the incident. At this time, authorities have not filed any charges, and her involvement, if any, remains under investigation.
Officials have not yet released details about what may have led up to the shooting or the relationship between the individuals involved. They are working to piece together the events of that early morning in order to determine the circumstances that resulted in Sharpstene’s death.
The sheriff’s office is treating the case as a homicide but emphasized that it appears to be an isolated incident. Deputies are continuing their investigation, gathering evidence from the scene and interviewing potential witnesses in the area. There is no indication of a broader threat to the public at this time.
Authorities have issued a call for assistance from the public, urging anyone who may have information about the shooting to come forward. Members of the public are encouraged to contact 911 or reach out to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office directly if they have seen or heard anything related to the incident.
Residents in the neighborhood were shocked by the news, with many expressing concern over the violence that took place so close to home. While the area is typically quiet and not known for criminal activity, the presence of police and emergency responders in the early hours of the morning created an unsettling atmosphere for those nearby.
Officials have not confirmed whether the firearm used in the shooting has been recovered. No motive has been publicly identified, and the sheriff’s office has yet to state whether they believe the shooting was intentional, accidental, or in self-defense.
The identity of the woman who was taken in for questioning has not been disclosed, and authorities have not stated whether she is considered a suspect or a witness. The lack of immediate arrests or charges suggests investigators are still working to confirm details before making further legal determinations.
James Sharpstene’s death marks another tragedy involving gun violence in a domestic setting, an issue that continues to affect communities across the country. While this particular incident is believed to be isolated, law enforcement officials are using every available resource to ensure the case is handled thoroughly and responsibly.
A spokesperson for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office stated that additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available. In the meantime, investigators are focused on reconstructing the timeline of events, reviewing evidence collected from the home, and awaiting any relevant forensic results.
Grief counselors and victim services are expected to be made available to friends or family members of the victim who may need support in the wake of this unexpected loss. Sharpstene’s family has not yet issued a public statement regarding his death.
As the community awaits more answers, deputies are asking that residents remain patient and cooperative. Anyone who lives in the area and may have security footage, or who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the incident, is encouraged to contact investigators.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to resolving the case and ensuring that justice is served. While the investigation remains open, they are reassuring the public that there is no ongoing danger in the area and that every effort is being made to bring clarity to what happened that morning on Brookway Crescent.
At this point, the investigation is ongoing, and further details will likely be released in the coming days as authorities continue their work.