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Deputy ‘outstanding man’ Offi cer was a 20-year veteran of Sheriff ’s Offi ce
What we know about fatal standoff in Clermont County
Sheila Vilvens | Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY NETWORK
Who was Clermont County Sheriff ’s Deputy William Lee Brewer Jr.? Perhaps Clermont County Sheriff Steve Leahy describes him best. “He was an outstanding man,” Leahy said. “He was a good father. A good husband. A good friend. A good employee. He’s what this country needs more of...” Brewer, 42, of Clermont County’s Pierce Township, died in the line of duty. He was shot Feb. 2 during a standoff . He was a 20-year veteran of the Clermont County Sheriff ’s Offi ce. Over those years, he touched many lives. Jordan Meinking said when he fi rst started working as a police offi cer in the Village of New Richmond, Brewer off ered him assistance whenever it was needed. “He was always available to help whenever we needed anything,” Meinking said. “He would always come down when he knew I was working alone.” He said Brewer was always “fair and kindhearted.” “He was a squared away guy who would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need,” Meinking said. “He helped me numerous times when I needed some guidance as a new offi cer. He was one of the best deputies in the county and we suff ered a huge loss.” Former colleague David Cox and Brewer worked together several years at the Clermont County Jail as corrections offi cers. “Bill was actually my fi rst training offi cer when I started,” Cox said. “He taught me a lot that I still take with me to this day.” Cox said Brewer was a “great offi cer” who was always respectful of others. “When Bill became a deputy, I was so happy for him and I knew he would do good things,” he said. “Bill always remembered where he came from, meaning he never forgot the offi cers and his friends from the jail. He always took time to say hi to the ones he worked with throughout the years.” He was also friendly to new employees and always willing to off er “sound advice,” Cox said. “Bill was a great man and it was an honor to work alongside of him,” he said. “But, more importantly than that, it is an honor to call him my friend. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.” Brewer was a 1996 graduate of Williamsburg High School where he’s a member of the Sports Hall of Fame. Jim Dyer, a teacher and coach for 36 years in Williamsburg
Chris Mayhew, Sheila Vilvens and Cameron Knight Cincinnati Enquirer USA TODAY NETWORK
One deputy has died and another was injured at Royal Oak Apartments during a deadly standoff that ended Sunday, Feb. 3 in Pierce Township, Clermont County. A 23-year-old man in custody following the standoff has been charged. Here’s what we know as of Monday, Feb. 4:
Suspect was in court on Monday, Feb. 4 Bill Brewer was was a 1996 graduate of Williamsburg High School where he’s a member of the Sports Hall of Fame.
Schools, remembered Brewer from both middle school and high school. “He was a quality person,” he said. “He was very unselfi sh. All of his classmates and teammates liked him.” As an athlete, he was a triple threat in football, basketball and baseball, Dyer recalled. He was an all-state football player. He earned a scholarship to Cumberland College. He was also an all-star in basketball, second team, and was an allstar in baseball. While he was a topnotch football player, it was his athleticism as a three-sport athlete that earned him a spot in the high school’s hall of fame, he said. “He was so unassuming,” Dyer said. “He did not want all the accolades. I was there when he got the hall of fame award. He was all embarrassed. Deep down he knew he deserved it. “But he didn’t do great things to be great. He just did them because that’s the kind of human he was.” He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Jamie Hensley Brewer, his son Braxton, his parents William Sr. and Angie Brewer, his brother Michael Brewer, his in-laws and several nieces and nephews.
Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY NETWORK
Clermont County Sheriff Robert Leahy had strong words Friday at the funeral for his own deputy, Bill Brewer, who was fatally shot in the line of duty. From the pulpit of Mount Carmel Christian Church, Leahy said: "To those who would do us harm, to those who would advocate for violence against us, to that a--hole in my jail, I have two words for you on behalf of Bill's family, this county, my offi ce and all the cops across this country: screw you."
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The sheriff said he would have used even harsher language if it weren't for the children in the audience. Brewer responded Saturday night to a standoff with a man who would feign own suicide, luring deputies into his Pierce Township apartment, offi cials said. The suspect, identifi ed by prosecutors as Wade Winn, opened fi re through a wall, according to law enforcement. Brewer was mortally wounded and his commander, Lt. Nick DeRose, was also shot. Funeral services were held for Brewer in Union Township Friday.
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Who were the deputies involved? Detective Bill Brewer, a 20-year veteran of Clermont County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, died as a result of gunshot wounds after being transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital, according to a news release. He is survived by a wife and 5-year-old son. Brewer was struck by two bullets below a vest he was wearing, said Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco during a Monday, Feb. 4 See WHAT WE KNOW, Page 2A
Clermont County Sheriff to suspect in fatal deputy shooting: ‘Screw you’ Cameron Knight and Sarah Brookbank
The suspect, 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn, has been charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder, according to court documents. Winn, a resident of Royal Oaks, was arraigned at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 at Clermont County Municipal Court in Batavia. The judge ordered him held on $10 million bond. Winn was booked at 1:18 p.m Sunday, Feb. 3 into Clermont County Jail.
Suspect Wade Edward Winn appears in court Monday. PHIL DIDION/THE ENQUIRER
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