Man shot, killed in Lebanon identified, no charges against suspected shooter yet

LEBANON, Ohio — Family and friends of Warren County native Andrew Rainey are now grappling with grief and frustration after the 63-year-old grandfather was shot and killed Monday at a busy intersection from Lebanon.

Police say Rainey was shot in the stomach near the SR-48 Bypass and US-42.

“It’s still a shock to a lot of people, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” said Angel Delao, Rainey’s friend for 20 years. “To hear that he was shot at point-blank range by someone in a vehicle is mind-boggling.”

Police said they began receiving numerous 911 calls just before noon reporting a shooting; one of those 911 callers told dispatchers he was the one who fired the gun.

That person told dispatchers they would stand next to their vehicle with their gun holstered, waiting for police to arrive, Lebanon police said. When officers arrived, they found the caller and saw Rainey lying in the road with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, police said.

Some of the witnesses who called 911 described the moments leading up to the shooting as road rage. A man told a dispatcher he saw Rainey “do a hit” on the other driver before that person pulled out a gun and shot Rainey.

But Delao said he did not believe that version, arguing that what happened must have been a misunderstanding and that Rainey was not responsible. The grandfather had a limp and was deaf, requiring hearing aids in both ears, Delao said.

“Andy was born with a hearing disability. When he spoke much louder than most, I could see how others might mistake that for his screaming,” he said. “He was overall a very peaceful guy, so it's hard to believe. He was a gentle giant. He was a big man, but not a menacing figure at all.”

Rainey was an active member of the Lebanon Presbyterian Church and devoted his time to numerous humanitarian projects. Delao said Rainey was often out of state helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts following major storms and other natural disasters.

“I just lent him a suitcase. He was going to Tennessee – to build houses in Tennessee,” Delao said, holding back tears. “Samaritan's Purse was the organization he was going with. He was supposed to leave on Saturday.”

Rainey's daughter, Sally Frazier, described her father as “amazing” and someone who would give his shirt off to someone who needed it. She said she was heartbroken and wanted the person responsible for the shooting and murder of her father to be held accountable.

“This man shot and killed my father who had no gun, was deaf, a grandfather of eight years and a father to me,” she said. “(My father was a) man who was held in high esteem in his community and loved by thousands – this man killed a child of God, all because he didn't like being yelled at. .He could have left, he could have done many things, but instead I chose to take my father's life away from his family and friends. My father was murdered and I pray. so that justice is done!

The person who said he was the shooter was taken into custody for questioning without any issues and Rainey was taken to Atrium Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said Lebanon police immediately contacted his office and the investigation into the cause of the shooting was ongoing. Fornshell said once the investigation is complete, his office will determine whether charges will be filed against the person who told police she pulled the trigger.

“We all believe Andy was a victim. We were hesitant to say he was murdered, but he was shot and he was unarmed,” Delao said. “I sincerely hope that this is how Andy will be remembered: a life of service to others.”