Tragic Murder-Suicide in Ottawa County: New Details Emerge on the Deaths of Alexis Pence and Malachi Moreno

OTTAWA COUNTY, OH – In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the small communities of Fremont and Ottawa County, Ohio, what initially appeared to be a single-vehicle accident has been officially ruled a murder-suicide. On September 20, 2025, 24-year-old Alexis Raine Pence and 23-year-old Malachi A. Moreno, both residents of Fremont, were found unresponsive in a crashed vehicle with gunshot wounds to the head. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Moreno fatally shot Pence before turning the gun on himself, leading to the vehicle’s crash. This revelation, updated on November 14, 2025, has prompted reflections on domestic violence, mental health, and systemic failures in addressing individuals with criminal histories.

The Incident: A Fatal Crash Unveils a Deeper Tragedy

The sequence of events unfolded around 6:41 p.m. on September 20, when multiple 911 calls reported a single-vehicle crash in the 10000 block of Oak Harbor Southeast Road in Salem Township. Deputies arriving at the scene discovered the vehicle overturned on its roof, with shattered windows and the two occupants trapped inside. Emergency responders, including Mid-County EMS, Portage Fire Department, Oak Harbor Police, and bystanders, worked to extricate them. Pence was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts, while Moreno was rushed to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

A handgun and other evidence were recovered from the vehicle, pointing investigators toward foul play. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Lucas County Coroner’s Office assisted in the probe, utilizing forensic analysis, autopsy results, and scene evidence to conclude that Moreno was the perpetrator. Authorities have not publicly identified who was driving or the passenger, but the sheriff’s office confirmed Moreno shot Pence before the self-inflicted wound caused the crash. The investigation highlighted the complexities of such cases, where the line between accident and intentional act blurs until evidence clarifies the narrative.

Who Was Alexis Raine Pence? A Life Stolen Too Soon

Alexis Raine Pence, born on June 15, 2001, was remembered in her obituary as a vibrant soul who brought light into the world. Described as an artist at heart, she loved sharing her talents with loved ones and lived unapologetically, offering unwavering support to those she cared for. Her family portrayed her as someone whose laughter and smile left an indelible mark, touching every soul she encountered.

Pence is survived by her mother, Kelly Yoder; father, Josh Pence; sister and best friend, Madison; brother, Hulk “Bubba”; and her beloved pet, Mila. She was also close to her grandparents, Mike and Lisa Yoder and Becky Pence, along with aunts Monica and LeeAnn, uncles Mike “Crusty” and Alec, and numerous cousins and friends. Preceding her in death were her grandfather Larry Pence, uncle Harold, aunt Stacy, pets Boujee and Loki, and great-grandparents.

Funeral services were held on September 26, 2025, at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin, with visitation preceding the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials were directed to the Seneca County Humane Society, reflecting her love for animals. Community tributes emphasized her as a victim “stolen from this world,” underscoring the senselessness of her death.

Malachi A. Moreno: A Troubled Past and Unfulfilled Potential

Malachi A. Moreno, born January 9, 2002, in Bellevue, Ohio, was the son of Mark Moreno. His obituary painted him as a friendly and outgoing young man with a quick smile and a helpful nature, harboring dreams for the future within a close-knit circle of family and friends. Visitation was held on September 28, 2025, at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home in Fremont.

However, Moreno’s life was marred by a criminal history that raised red flags in the community. In March 2021, at age 19, he was arrested after a high-speed chase reaching 75 mph, charged with felony drug trafficking and failure to comply with police orders, along with misdemeanor offenses. Records from Erie and Ottawa County Common Pleas Courts show indictments for felony fleeing and eluding, as well as receiving stolen property. Community discussions on social media described him as a “known violent drug dealer” with restrictions prohibiting him from possessing firearms or a driver’s license. Allegations surfaced that he served as a police informant, potentially contributing to lenient treatment in prior cases.

The Relationship and Possible Motives: Shadows of Domestic Violence

While official reports have not detailed the nature of Pence and Moreno’s relationship, social media and community commentary suggest they were a couple, with hints of domestic violence. Posts lamented women who “make excuses for violent men,” and one account referred to Moreno as a “violent drug offender” who received “slaps on the wrist.” A Facebook video by Ashli Ford highlighted systemic failures in protecting Pence from a “known violent drug dealer,” implying prior knowledge of risks. No specific motive has been released, but the incident underscores broader issues of intimate partner violence, where histories of crime and substance abuse often play a role.

Community Reaction and Broader Implications

The Fremont and Ottawa County communities have been left in mourning and shock, with online tributes and discussions reflecting grief and calls for change. Local news outlets and social media have amplified the tragedy, urging those struggling with mental health or violent thoughts to seek help via resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The case has sparked conversations about gun access for individuals with criminal records and the need for better intervention in domestic violence situations.

As investigations conclude, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles behind closed doors. The losses of Pence and Moreno highlight the urgent need for community support, awareness, and preventive measures to avert future heartbreak. For those affected, resources like local domestic violence hotlines and mental health services remain crucial lifelines.