Deadly Shooting at Illegal Airbnb Rental Sparks Short-Term Rental Crackdown in Northeast Ohio

Communities in the region are moving to ban or restrict short-term rentals, but industry advocates argue for due diligence over permanent bans.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A deadly shooting at an illegal short-term rental property in Bath Township, Ohio has raised new concerns about the regulation of Airbnb and similar services across Northeast Ohio. While some communities have moved to ban or restrict short-term rentals, industry advocates argue that proper screening and oversight, not outright bans, are the solution. The incident in Bath Township left one teenager dead and several others injured, highlighting the public safety risks posed by unregulated short-term rentals.

Why it matters

The rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has created a new set of challenges for local communities, balancing property rights with public safety concerns. The Bath Township shooting is just one example of the serious incidents that have occurred at illegal short-term rental properties, leading some municipalities to take action to restrict or ban the practice. However, industry advocates argue that a more nuanced approach focused on responsible management, rather than outright bans, is needed.

The details

In November 2025, a large birthday party at an illegal short-term rental property in Bath Township, Ohio ended in tragedy when gunfire erupted, leaving one 18-year-old dead and several others injured. The home, located on Top of the Hill Drive, was being rented out as an Airbnb despite a local ban on short-term rentals. Bath Township police chief and trustee Vito Sinopoli said the township interprets short-term rentals as a prohibited business use in residential areas. The owner of the property, Shauna Gardner, did not respond to requests for comment.

  • On November 2, 2025, officers in Bath Township responded to reports of gunfire at a short-term rental property.
  • The property had been rented out and was hosting a large birthday party that had been advertised on social media.

The players

Vito Sinopoli

Bath Township police chief and township trustee who stated that the township interprets short-term rentals as a prohibited business use in residential areas.

Shauna Gardner

The owner of the property on Top of the Hill Drive in Bath Township where the deadly shooting occurred.

Elijah Wells

An 18-year-old from Akron who died as a result of the injuries sustained in the shooting at the illegal short-term rental property.

Dave Stokley

A short-term rental property owner in Lakewood who argues that proper screening and oversight, not bans, are the solution to addressing issues with short-term rentals.

Jerry Cirino

Ohio State Senator who believes municipalities should have the right to regulate short-term rentals, while also acknowledging property owners' rights.

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What they’re saying

“Our zoning resolution, we interpret short-term rentals and construe language that as a business use within the residential districts and not permitted.”

— Vito Sinopoli, Bath Township police chief and township trustee (WKYC)

“I know the data. We've hosted over 80,000 nights at our properties over the last few years and nobody has ever gotten shot.”

— Dave Stokley, Short-term rental property owner (WKYC)

“Municipalities should have the right. Within certain constraints I believe in home rule and supporting home rule. At the same time, I also understand that property owners have certain rights that have to be held with respects to their properties.”

— Jerry Cirino, Ohio State Senator (WKYC)

What’s next

The judge in the Bath Township case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the three teens arrested in connection with the shooting to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for communities in Northeast Ohio to carefully balance public safety concerns with property owners' rights when it comes to regulating short-term rentals. While some municipalities have opted for outright bans, industry advocates argue that a more nuanced approach focused on responsible management and oversight is the best path forward.