DELAWARE — An 18-year-old Delaware woman and two men are being held on murder charges after deputies say a 55-year-old woman was shot in her home early Friday.
Arrests, charges and bond
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded just after midnight on Friday, Aug. 14, to a report of gunfire. Responders found Tamela Dutcher, 55, suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. She was taken to a hospital where she later died of her injuries.
Authorities arrested three people in connection with the killing:
- Bryanna Dutcher, 18, of Delaware — charged with murder and obstruction
- Dajameous Payne, 21, of Delaware — charged with murder
- Christian Evans, 20, of Delaware — charged with murder
All three are being held in the county jail on $3 million bond each, according to WCMH Channel 4.
Allegations and investigation details
According to a criminal complaint summarized by local television reports, investigators allege Payne and Evans entered the Dutcher residence, shot Tamela Dutcher in the face and then fired at her husband as he rushed to assist; the shots at the husband reportedly missed. The two men then fled the scene, the complaint says.
Court documents and reporting from WBNS Channel 10 indicate deleted text messages were recovered from Bryanna Dutcher’s phone that allegedly show planning related to the shooting. The documents also suggest Bryanna Dutcher had a relationship with one of the male suspects that may have been a factor in the alleged plot.
What authorities have said and next steps
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office provided the initial incident report and the names of the people charged. Local television outlets WCMH and WBNS reported additional details drawn from charging documents and interviews with investigators. Prosecutors have filed murder charges and one obstruction count; further court appearances are expected as the case proceeds.
At this stage, the allegations in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court. The defendants are entitled to due process, and the sheriff’s office and local prosecutors will present evidence as the case moves through the judicial system.
Community impact and context
Violent deaths in suburban and smaller Ohio communities prompt heightened concern about safety and family-related crime. This case, involving an alleged plot and close family ties between victim and one accused, will likely draw local attention as court filings are released and hearings occur.
Residents with information relevant to the investigation were encouraged by law enforcement to come forward through established channels. No further public statements from the sheriff’s office were immediately available beyond the details released to media.
| Person | Age | Charges | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryanna Dutcher | 18 | Murder, obstruction | $3,000,000 |
| Dajameous Payne | 21 | Murder | $3,000,000 |
| Christian Evans | 20 | Murder | $3,000,000 |
Local reporters will monitor court dockets for arraignment dates, any motions filed by defense attorneys, and further disclosures from prosecutors. As is standard in violent-crime cases, more detailed forensic, electronic and witness evidence may be revealed during pretrial proceedings.
Anyone with tips or information pertinent to the investigation was asked to contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office or submit information anonymously to local tip lines, according to the initial news releases.
This story will be updated as additional verified information becomes available through court records and statements from law enforcement and prosecutors.
