Inset: Robert Palermo (Ashland County Jail). Background: Home in Ashland, Ohio, where Palermo allegedly shot his roommate to death (Google Maps).

Authorities have charged 24-year-old Robert Palermo with aggravated murder following the fatal shooting of 61-year-old John “Lefty” Grehn in Ashland, a town situated about 50 miles southwest of Akron.

The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office detailed in a press release that the incident unfolded around 2:15 p.m. on January 1 at a residence on East Liberty Street. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and discovered Grehn deceased inside the home, apprehending Palermo shortly thereafter. According to the Ashland Source, the deadly confrontation began when Palermo objected to Grehn’s dog being inside the house.

Following the initial argument, Palermo reportedly went upstairs to retrieve a firearm from a locked box and then resumed the dispute. It is alleged that he shot Grehn multiple times. Both men resided in the home, which belongs to Palermo’s father, who is also reported to be the one who dialed 911 following the shooting. Grehn was a longtime friend of Palermo’s father, adding a layer of tragedy to the senseless loss.

After the verbal spat was seemingly over, Palermo went upstairs and grabbed a gun from a lock box before he “reignited the argument.” Palermo allegedly shot Grehn multiple times. The two lived in the home, which is owned by Palermo’s father. It was the father who reportedly called 911 after the shooting. Grehn and Palermo’s father were longtime friends.

“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.