Judge orders mental health exam for suspect in fatal office shooting
Edward Biesiada, charged with killing North Royalton building commissioner David Smerek, returns to court in December after a three-month investigation.
By Joao Menon ·
A judge ordered a mental health evaluation for the man accused of killing a North Royalton building commissioner inside his office. Edward Biesiada, who faces five criminal charges, will return to court on Dec. 8.
Biesiada is held without bond. He pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and one count of intimidation.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley detailed the sequence of events on July 24. Biesiada drove to the North Royalton Service Center and parked in the lot. He entered the building with a firearm, approached David Smerek, and shot him multiple times.
After the shooting, Biesiada placed the gun on a counter and walked to the front of the building. North Royalton police and firefighters responded immediately and took him into custody. Smerek, 52, of Brunswick, was pronounced dead at the scene around 1:25 p.m.
Mayor Paul Marnecheck II described the incident as senseless gun violence. He characterized Smerek as a dedicated public servant who constantly asked how he could help residents understand local codes.
Records show the two men had a prior interaction. On July 10, Smerek cited Biesiada for a misdemeanor violation regarding the exterior of his premises and structures.
Source: WOIO
