Inset: Robert Palermo (Ashland County Jail). Background: Home in Ashland, Ohio, where Palermo allegedly shot his roommate to death (Google Maps).
Robert Palermo, aged 24, faces charges of aggravated murder in the fatal shooting of 61-year-old John “Lefty” Grehn. The incident unfolded in Ashland, approximately 50 miles southwest of Akron, on January 1.
According to a statement from the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting took place around 2:15 p.m. on a Thursday at a residence located in the 100 block of East Liberty Street. Officers arrived to find Grehn deceased inside the home. Palermo was apprehended shortly after. The Ashland Source detailed that the confrontation began when Palermo objected to Grehn’s dog being inside the house.
Following what seemed to be a resolved argument, Palermo reportedly went upstairs, retrieved a firearm from a lockbox, and reignited the conflict, ultimately shooting Grehn multiple times. The two were residents of the home, which belonged to Palermo’s father. It was the father who is said to have dialed 911 after the shooting occurred. Grehn and Palermo’s father were reportedly longtime companions.
“This case is a severe and tragic loss of life, and our sympathies go out to Mr. Grehn’s family, friends, and everyone who cared for him as they begin to cope with this unthinkable tragedy,” expressed Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell in a statement. “In spite of the distressing nature of this incident, Ashland remains a safe community to live and raise families. While unfortunate events occasionally occur, we should focus on the positive actions of our safety services rather than the negative decisions of one individual.”
“This case represents a profound and tragic loss of life, and our thoughts remain with Mr. Grehn’s family, friends, and all those who loved him as they begin to process this unimaginable loss,” Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell said in a statement. “Despite the terrible nature of this allegation, Ashland is and always will be a safe place to live and to raise a family. While the world sometimes comes to us in a regrettable fashion, our focus should be on the positive response of our safety services and not on the negative aspects of one human’s poor choices.”
Prosecutors say Palermo has no prior criminal history. He remains at the Ashland County Jail on a $2 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday. If he is convicted as charged, Palermo faces life in prison.
