Ohio City Double Homicide: Van Wert County Deputies Respond to Gripping Confession and Find Two Victims Dead, Alleged Killer Found Dead from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
Overview of the Incident:
On the morning of November 24, 2024, Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach confirmed that deputies were investigating a tragic double homicide in Ohio City, Ohio. The incident came to light when a person called the sheriff’s office at approximately 8:09 a.m. to report that a friend had confessed to killing his fiancée and another man. The caller, deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the suspect, also stated that the individual had expressed an intention to take his own life. Deputies from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office swiftly began their response to the situation, launching an investigation that would eventually lead them to the discovery of two bodies and the alleged perpetrator’s death.
Details of the Initial Call:
At the heart of the investigation was the call received by the sheriff’s office at 8:09 a.m. on November 24, 2024. The anonymous caller explained that a friend, whom they identified only as “the suspect,” had confessed to killing two people—his fiancée, Shelby M. Coats, and another man, Andrew C. Lause, both of whom had been living in Ohio City. The call was immediately flagged as urgent, and deputies were dispatched to speak with the caller and gather more information.
The caller further explained that the suspect had also made alarming statements about intending to take his own life. This aspect of the call heightened the urgency of the situation, as law enforcement officers feared for the safety of the person making the confession, as well as for anyone else who might be involved. The caller informed the sheriff’s office that the suspect had left the location and was no longer with him.
Sheriff Riggenbach provided an update, stating that deputies worked quickly to obtain further details about the situation. With the information they had, the deputies began making plans to enter the home in Ohio City where the two victims were believed to be located, to check on their welfare and further investigate the claims made by the caller.
The Discovery of Two Bodies:
Following up on the call, deputies arrived at the Ohio City residence where they suspected the deaths had occurred. Once inside the home, they discovered two individuals who had tragically died from gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Shelby M. Coats, a 29-year-old resident of Ohio City, and Andrew C. Lause, a 30-year-old man from Delphos, Ohio. The discovery of their bodies shocked the local community and left friends and family members devastated.
The sheriff’s office immediately secured the crime scene and requested assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to aid in the processing of the scene. Law enforcement officers began carefully collecting evidence and documenting the crime scene, while forensic investigators worked to determine the exact circumstances of the killings.
In the days following the discovery, a GoFundMe campaign was set up in the name of Shelby Coats, who left behind two young children, aged 4 years and 3 months. The fundraiser aimed to support Shelby’s mother, Sheryl, in covering funeral costs, as well as providing for the children’s future needs. The GoFundMe page shared the heartfelt message from Lexi, Shelby’s best friend, who described her as a “beautiful best friend” and praised her for being “the most amazing and sweetest mother, nurse, daughter, friend, and overall person you will have ever had the chance to know.”
The emotional plea from the GoFundMe page highlights the immense impact Shelby had on the lives of others and the profound grief felt by those closest to her. Shelby’s loss is compounded by the shock of her sudden death and the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the crime.
The Suspect: Paul A. Boldman:
As deputies continued to investigate the murders, they learned that the suspect in the case was Paul A. Boldman, a 51-year-old man from Ohio City. Boldman had allegedly been in a relationship with Shelby Coats, and according to reports, had confessed to the killings. The investigation team quickly zeroed in on Boldman as the prime suspect in the double homicide.
During the same period that deputies were working at the crime scene, they discovered a vehicle at a different residence belonging to Paul A. Boldman. Authorities established a perimeter around this property to ensure the safety of all involved and began the process of obtaining a search warrant. This step was essential to move forward in their investigation and gain access to Boldman’s residence.
The Search and Discovery of Paul A. Boldman:
After securing the search warrant, the Van Wert Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) entered Boldman’s home, assisted by deputies. Inside the home, they found Paul A. Boldman with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite the apparent severity of his injury, Boldman was still alive when he was discovered. Officers and deputies immediately sprang into action, providing medical care and arranging for his transport to a nearby medical facility.
Emergency medical personnel from Van Wert EMS were stationed nearby, ready to assist as soon as Boldman was removed from the residence. He was rushed to Ohio Health Van Wert hospital, where, despite all attempts at saving his life, he was later pronounced dead.
With Boldman’s death, the investigation into the killings of Shelby Coats and Andrew C. Lause took a tragic turn. While investigators were unable to question Boldman regarding his role in the deaths, his apparent confession—made earlier to the caller—remained a central element in the case. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other local agencies continued to process evidence, including forensic evidence from Boldman’s home and the crime scene, to build a fuller picture of what led to the murders.
Ongoing Investigation:
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), along with the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted in processing the crime scene and conducting a thorough investigation. The sheriff’s office reported that, at the time of writing, the investigation into the deaths of Shelby Coats and Andrew C. Lause remained ongoing. The details of the motive, the exact timeline of events, and how Paul A. Boldman was able to carry out the killings remained the focus of the inquiry.
Forensic teams continued to collect evidence from both Boldman’s home and the Ohio City residence where the victims were discovered. Given the complexity of the situation and the tragic loss of life, investigators were working meticulously to ensure that all aspects of the case were thoroughly examined.
Impact on the Community:
This double homicide has left a deep impact on the small town of Ohio City, Ohio, and the surrounding area. Neighbors, friends, and family members of both Shelby Coats and Andrew C. Lause have expressed their disbelief and grief over the horrific incident. Shelby’s children, Kimber and Kora, now face an uncertain future without their mother, and the community has rallied to provide support through fundraising efforts and emotional outpourings of love.
The case has also raised questions about domestic violence, mental health, and the emotional toll such tragedies take on individuals, families, and entire communities. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Shelby Coats and Andrew C. Lause, as well as the apparent suicide attempt by Paul A. Boldman, will likely lead to further scrutiny of the events leading up to the violence.
Looking Forward:
As the investigation continues, local law enforcement is working closely with state agencies to gather more evidence and provide answers to the many questions surrounding this tragic case. The community of Ohio City has been left shaken, but the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the support of friends, family, and neighbors are helping to bring some sense of closure and understanding to a senseless act of violence.
The investigation into Paul A. Boldman’s motives, his relationship with the victims, and his actions before and after the killings will remain the primary focus for investigators. In the meantime, the community continues to mourn the loss of Shelby Coats and Andrew C. Lause, and efforts to care for Shelby’s children and support her family remain a priority.
Conclusion:
This tragic double homicide in Ohio City, Ohio, has shaken the local community, leaving behind a deep sense of loss and sadness. As law enforcement continues to investigate the events leading to the deaths of Shelby Coats and Andrew C. Lause, questions about domestic violence, mental health, and the complexities of human behavior continue to arise. The impact of this case will be felt for years to come as those affected by the tragedy begin to heal, and as the investigation works toward understanding the full scope of what happened on that fateful day in November 2024
