Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach has confirmed an ongoing investigation into a tragic incident in Ohio City that left two people dead and a third individual deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The series of events began on the morning of November 24, 2024, when deputies received a call regarding a confession to a double homicide and an intent to commit suicide.
At approximately 8:09 a.m., a caller reported that a friend admitted to killing his fiancée and another man before expressing plans to take his own life. The caller provided deputies with initial details and later additional information, which directed authorities to a residence in Ohio City. Upon entering the home, deputies discovered two individuals, later identified as 29-year-old Shelby M. Coats of Ohio City and 30-year-old Andrew C. Lause of Delphos. Both had succumbed to gunshot wounds.
The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to process the scene. As investigations unfolded, deputies located a vehicle associated with the suspect at another residence. Securing the property, deputies obtained a search warrant and, with support from the Van Wert Police Department’s SRT team, entered the home.
Inside, authorities found the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Paul A. Boldman of Ohio City, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was still alive and was quickly transported to Ohio Health Van Wert by EMS, but he was later pronounced dead. Officials confirmed that Boldman was the sole suspect in the deaths of Coats and Lause.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Ohio City community, particularly the family of Shelby Coats, a young mother of two daughters, Kimber (4) and Kora (3 months). A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses and provide care for her children. The fundraiser highlights Shelby’s role as a devoted mother, nurse, and beloved member of the community.
The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and other local agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have urged the community to come together during this challenging time and support the victims’ families.