New Details Emerge Following Release of 911 Call in Fatal East Liberty Street Shooting
ASHLAND — New details have emerged in the fatal shooting that occurred Jan. 1, 2026, at a residence in the 100 block of East Liberty Street, following the public release of the 911 call made moments after the incident .
The shooting claimed the life of John “Lefty” Grehn, 61, who was found deceased inside the home when Ashland Police Division officers and Ashland Fire Division personnel arrived at approximately 2:15 p.m. Police have identified Robert Palermo, 24, of Ashland, as the individual who fired the weapon. Palermo was taken into custody at the scene without incident and remains held at the Ashland County Jail.
911 Call Describes Alleged Self-Defense
According to the 911 transcript, the call was placed by John Palermo, Robert Palermo’s father, who stated repeatedly that the shooting was an act of self-defense. During the call, the father told dispatchers that Grehn — described as a longtime friend who lived in the household — had been involved in a heated argument with his son and allegedly “went after” him.
The caller told the dispatcher that he was physically unable to intervene, stating he was “crippled,” and claimed his son acted to defend himself. He informed dispatchers that the gun had been placed down, was unloaded, and located on a bed inside the residence .
The father also confirmed that his son remained with him inside the home until officers arrived and complied with instructions to step outside with his hands visible. Due to his physical condition, the caller stated he was unable to exit the residence himself.
During the call, the dispatcher can be heard attempting to gather information about the condition of the victim, the location of the firearm, and the safety of responding officers. The caller indicated there was significant bleeding and no apparent sign of life.
Upon arrival, first responders located Grehn deceased inside the home. Authorities confirmed that no one else was injured. Detectives executed a search warrant at the residence as part of the investigation.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is assisting the Ashland Police Division, along with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are reviewing physical evidence, witness statements, and the 911 call as part of the case.
The Ashland County Humane Society also responded to the scene and took custody of a dog found inside the home. The animal was unharmed.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective Lieutenant Curt Dorsey of the Ashland Police Division at 419-289-3639, ext. 1111, or by email at dorsey.curt@ashland-ohio.com
More information will be released as it becomes available.
