Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Eric Joering and Police Officer Anthony Morelli were shot and killed when they responded to a 911 hangup call in the 300 block of Crosswind Drive.
When officers arrived at the home, they made contact with the residents of the apartment and were let inside. As they walked into the apartment, a 30-year-old male subject opened fire on them, mortally wounding Officer Joering and Officer Morelli. Despite their wounds, both officers were able to return fire and wounded the subject.
Officer Morelli was transported to a local hospital, where he died a short time later.
The subject, a convicted felon, had beaten and strangled his wife before officers arrived. He was charged with two counts of capital murder of a law enforcement officer. He was found guilty and sentenced to two life sentences without parole and 26 1/2 years.
Officer Joering had served with the Westerville Division of Police for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and his K-9 partner, Sam. Arrangements have been made for Sam to remain with his widow and daughters.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and his K-9 partner, Sam.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-BEE38565- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Joering gave the Westerville Division of Police 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Westerville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Joering.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Eric Joseph Joering is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Westerville Division of Police, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Eric Joseph Joering's cause is highlighted.
How Eric Joseph Joering Compares
Offender Outcome
Two life sentences plus 26 1/2 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Eric Joseph Joering is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Eric Joseph Joering was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Westerville Division of Police are honored on badge.nw.
