Fairfield man faces murder charge in fatal Crosby Township shooting

Cameron Knight | Cincinnati Enquirer

Authorities say the custody exchange of a young child took place before a man was shot to death near a busy pool Friday in the Fort Scott area of Crosby Township.

Deputies were called to Fort Scott Boulevard around 5:30 p.m. and found the victim shot in the chest and bleeding the street. Officials said passersby were trying to administer first aid.

Thomas James Landacre, 37, of Morrow was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Western Ridge where he was pronounced dead.

"Oh, my God! I've never seen this," said a 911 caller around 5:30 p.m. "My sister said there was a fight out in the street -- there was some pushing and shoving. Then this guy got shot."

James Rhymer, 44, of Fairfield is charged with one count of murder, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. He is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $750,000 bond.

Investigators said Rhymer and Landacre were arguing when Rhymer produced a handgun and shot Landacre in the upper chest area.

Deputies believe there were witnesses to the shooting that have not been interviewed by detectives. Anyone who saw the incident is being asked to call the Hamilton County Criminal Investigation Section at 513-851-6000.

Enquirer media partner Fox 19 contributed to this story.