Sharon Dorn: Man Charged in Cuyahoga Falls Gym Shooting

Sharon Dorn, a 61-year-old woman from Stow, Ohio, was shot and killed on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, inside the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, a community fitness and recreation center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Police say a 63-year-old Akron man, Craig Alan Sipe, targeted her, left the building, and then turned himself in at the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department. He is charged with aggravated murder, and police believe the shooting was domestic-related.

Dorn was taken to Summa Health's Akron City Hospital, where she died less than half an hour after police were called. Sipe has pleaded not guilty and remains in the Summit County Jail on a $1 million cash bond. A community vigil in her memory was scheduled for Thursday evening, October 22.

Who Was Sharon Dorn?

The Summit County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Sharon A. Dorn, 61, of Stow. Local reporting has shared few details about her life so far, and police have said they are holding back some information out of respect for her family.

In 911 recordings reported by News 5 Cleveland, one caller at the Natatorium described the woman who had been shot as "my trainer." Her exact role at the gym has not been confirmed by police or the city. A photo of Dorn shared through a GoFundMe page has been published by Cleveland 19 News.

What Happened at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium?

Cuyahoga Falls police were called to the Natatorium, in the 2300 block of Fourth Street, at about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 18. Officers found Dorn with a gunshot wound. According to police, the man accused in the case went into the gym, targeted one woman, and then left the area.

Some 911 callers described hearing yelling. One caller described a man leaving the parking lot in a small black SUV, and others told dispatchers they had barricaded themselves in a room while a class was underway. A retired Akron police officer was among those who called for help, according to News 5 Cleveland.

Dorn was pronounced dead at 9:51 a.m. Police said afterward that there was no continuing threat to the public. The Natatorium closed for the rest of Sunday and stayed closed on Monday, when visitors left flowers at its front doors.

Has Anyone Been Arrested?

Yes. Police say Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, turned himself in at the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department shortly after the shooting. Officers seized a handgun on Sunday, News 5 reported. Sipe was booked into the Summit County Jail and charged with one count of aggravated murder.

Police have said they believe the shooting was domestic-related, but they have not said how Sipe and Dorn knew each other, citing respect for her family. Sipe is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.

What Happened in Court?

Sipe appeared by video in Stow Municipal Court on Monday, October 19, for his arraignment and pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors asked for a high bond, telling the court, "We believe him to be a threat not only to society but also to himself," according to Cleveland 19 News.

His attorney, Daniel Bache, told the judge that Sipe went to police on his own to surrender and asked for a reasonable bond. The judge noted that Sipe has a limited criminal record but said the charge is very serious, and ordered a $1 million cash bond. The case is expected to move to a Summit County grand jury and the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. No next court date had been reported.

What Police and the City Have Said

Cuyahoga Falls police have said the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released when it is appropriate. The city held a community support session at the Natatorium on Wednesday evening, October 21, with advocates from the Victim Assistance Program on site. News 5 reported that support is available around the clock by calling or texting 330-376-0040.

Local residents shared their reactions with News 5 Cleveland. "It's sad, I feel sorry for their family," Peg Lawlis said. Another resident, Sharleen Traczyk, said, "And it's really sad you can't have some place safe to come to."

What Happens Next

A vigil for Dorn was scheduled for Thursday evening, October 22, on Church Square in Cuyahoga Falls, the green space shared by First United Methodist Church, St. John's Episcopal Church and First Christian Church near 2nd Street and Stow Avenue. In the criminal case, a grand jury will decide whether to indict Sipe, after which the case would continue in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Timeline of the Sharon Dorn Case

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is charged in Sharon Dorn's death?

Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, is charged with one count of aggravated murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Was the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium shooting random?

Police say it was not. They say the accused targeted one woman and that they believe the shooting was domestic-related. Police said there was no continuing threat to the public.

What is the bond in the case?

A judge in Stow Municipal Court set bond at $1 million cash on October 19, 2026. Sipe is being held in the Summit County Jail.

How did Sharon Dorn know the accused?

Police have not said. They have described the case as domestic-related but have withheld details of the relationship out of respect for Dorn's family.

MotiveX covers cases like this in documentary form on YouTube.

Sources

• Cleveland 19 News: Suspect in custody after fatal shooting at Cuyahoga Falls gym
• Cleveland 19 News: Court hearing for man accused in Cuyahoga Falls gym shooting
• Cleveland 19 News: Vigil planned for Sharon Dorn
• News 5 Cleveland: $1 million bond and 911 calls in Cuyahoga Falls shooting
• Fox 8 Cleveland: Accused man appears in court in gym shooting case