Funerals held for Westerville, Ohio officers shot

WESTERVILLE — A funeral procession and service are planned for two Ohio police officers fatally shot while responding to a 911 hang-up call in the Columbus suburb of Westerville.

A viewing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Friday for officers Anthony Morelli and Eric Joering at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville, followed by a funeral starting at 1 p.m.

A procession through the city will follow the funeral. Schools are closed for the day.

The two veteran officers were shot after entering a residence early Saturday afternoon. The officers returned fire, wounding 30-year-old Quentin Smith.

Smith has been charged with aggravated murder. He remains hospitalized.

PHOTOS: Funeral for Westerville officers shot and killed

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is in Dayton today, said the “entire state” mourns the loss of Morelli and Joering.

“In the days since their passing, we’ve heard stories of their incredible service to their community, their fellow officers and their families. We can never repay them or their loved ones for their service and sacrifice, but today we honor their memory and lift up the entire Westerville community and all those who knew them,” he said.

News Center 7 will have a crew in Westerville and will have the latest online and on News Center 7.