Man Accused of Stalking, Killing Ex-Girlfriend Dies in Jail

Ongoing investigation into 65-year-old Jesse Wilson's suspected suicide at Hamilton County Justice Center.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An extreme close-up of a single bullet casing on a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting creating a stark, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the gravity of the crime.The grim aftermath of a tragic act of domestic violence, as authorities investigate the death of the accused perpetrator.Hamilton Today

An investigation is underway into the death of Jesse Wilson, a 65-year-old East Price Hill man who was accused of fatally shooting his former girlfriend Jessica Hardy in her Avondale apartment building. Wilson was found dead in the Hamilton County Justice Center, with authorities investigating his death as a suspected suicide.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and stalking, and the need for stronger protections and intervention for victims. Hardy had previously obtained a restraining order against Wilson, but he was still able to carry out the alleged attack, raising questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing such crimes.

The details

According to court records, Wilson was indicted last month on charges including aggravated murder, felonious assault, menacing by stalking, and violating a protection order. Police said Wilson waited for Hardy at her apartment building on March 6 and shot her in the head, killing her. The shooting was captured on video. Wilson had a previous conviction for homicide in Georgia and had also been charged with aggravated menacing against Hardy in a separate incident, leading her to obtain a temporary protection order just days before her death.

  • On March 6, Wilson allegedly waited for Hardy at her Avondale apartment building and shot her in the head, killing her.
  • On March 7, Wilson was arraigned in Hamilton County Municipal Court, where the judge noted the shooting was captured on video and that Wilson had a previous homicide conviction.
  • On September 15, Hardy told police that Wilson had sent her a threatening letter, leading her to obtain a temporary civil protection order three days later.
  • On October 24, a warrant was issued for Wilson's arrest in the earlier case, but the arrest was not made until after Hardy's death.

The players

Jesse Wilson

A 65-year-old East Price Hill man who was accused of fatally shooting his former girlfriend Jessica Hardy. Wilson had a previous conviction for homicide in Georgia and had also been charged with aggravated menacing against Hardy in a separate incident.

Jessica Hardy

A 36-year-old woman who was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend Jesse Wilson in the lobby of her Avondale apartment building. Hardy had previously obtained a temporary civil protection order against Wilson due to his threatening behavior.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating Wilson's death, which is being treated as a suspected suicide.

William Mallory

A Hamilton County Municipal Judge who presided over Wilson's arraignment and noted the shooting was captured on video.

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What they’re saying

“I swear you will pay for what you did.”

— Jesse Wilson

“The shooting was captured on video.”

— William Mallory, Hamilton County Municipal Judge

What’s next

The investigation into Wilson's death at the Hamilton County Justice Center is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the suspected suicide.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and intervention for victims of domestic violence and stalking. Despite Hardy obtaining a restraining order, Wilson was still able to carry out the alleged attack, highlighting the challenges in the justice system's ability to prevent such crimes and keep victims safe.