Authorities released additional details on Friday about a violent shooting and car chase in Darke County, Ohio, that ended in the suspect’s death and the discovery of another victim inside his home.
The harrowing series of events unfolded Thursday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the community northwest of Dayton.
The Darke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a man who reported that his friend had opened fire on him before chasing him down the road in a separate vehicle.
Following the chaotic chase and crash, deputies returned to Maloon’s residence, where they made a grim discovery. Inside the home, they found the lifeless body of Maloon’s wife, 53-year-old Juanita Maloon.
According to Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker, Juanita had been “brutally beaten and shot.” The county coroner later confirmed that she had died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators believe the third person involved in the ordeal had been called to the Maloon residence by Joe Maloon himself for a planned “transaction.”
However, when the man arrived and retrieved cash from Maloon’s vehicle, as instructed, Maloon suddenly emerged from the house and began shooting at him. The victim fled in his car, but Maloon pursued him, firing multiple rounds as he chased him down the road. Eventually, both vehicles crashed in separate fields.
