UPDATE: Resident Shoots, Kills Drug Dealer In His Home

UPDATE: The homeowner who shot an intruder at his Whitewater Township home is facing a gun charge, and possibly more serious charges.

Update published at 11:29 a.m.:

Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputies say a man who shot and killed a man inside his Whitewater Township home knew the intruder.

It was his drug dealer.

Deputies were dispatched just before 1:00 a.m. Wednesday to a home on the 5100 block of State Route 128 for a report of an intruder shot by the homeowner.

Officers arriving found Andrew Naegele, 26, of Butler County, suffering from a gunshot wound in the living room of the single family home. When EMTs arrived, Naegele was dead.

The homeowner is identified as John Heard, 38. He reported to 911 that an intruder came into his home and he fatally shot him. Deputies found the weapon inside the residence.

Heard was interviewed by detectives. He identified Naegele as his drug dealer, who had come to the home to collect a debt owed by methamphetamine.

“Heard further indicated that while he was intimidated by this individual, he was aware that Naegele was coming to his home to collect money owed for drugs,” said a sheriff’s news release.

Deputies are still investigating the facts surrounding the death of Naegele, who has been described as a member of the Iron Horsemen motorcycle gang.

Heard has been charged with one count of Weapons Under Disability, a third degree felony. He could face more charges depending on the investigation by the sheriff and prosecutor offices.

There was a report that at least one other person at Heard’s home ran from the scene. Detectives are attempting to locate a pickup truck that was observed by witnesses leaving the home. It was last seen crossing State Route 128 heading west on Cilley Road.

Anybody with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040.

 

Original story published at 7:22 a.m.:

(Whitewater Township, Oh.) - A man was shot and killed during a home invasion in Whitewater Township.

Hamilton County deputies say a man shot the intruder inside his home on State Route 128 near Cilley Road at around 1:00 a.m. Wednesday.

The resident called 911 to report he shot the intruder. At least one other person who attempted to enter the home with the suspect reportedly fled the scene.

Police are still at the home investigating the deadly shooting.

No names have been released.

More from Local News


Events

Oxbow Nature Conservancy Added to Indiana Birding Trail

The Indiana Birding Trail is a curated collection of premier birding locations designed to connect people with birds.

Highway Plan Delivers 6-Year Outlook of Investments for Safe and Promising Future

Includes investments in major bi-state projects and safer, more efficient roads and bridges across the commonwealth.

Secretary of State Reminds Candidates of January 21 Campaign Finance Reporting Deadline

Indiana law requires candidates and campaign committees to periodically disclose contribution and expense details.

Local Sports Report - January 16-17, 2026

Girls Wrestling State Finals, EIAC Boys Wrestling, hoops, and swimming stats and scores.

Redwine, Roell and Bills Represent SEI at IHSAA Girls Wrestling State Finals

Redwine and Roell each placed in the 125-pound tournament.

All-Sportsmanship Teams Announced for Fall Sports

Many area high schools earned First Team All-Sportsmanship.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Luke Bryan - Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye

Kathy Mattea Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses 19:42
Mindy McCready Ten Thousand Angels 19:38
Kenny Chesney Knowing You 19:33
Sugarland Baby Girl 19:29