OBERLIN, Ohio — Pipo Nguyen-Duy, a longtime Oberlin College professor of studio art and photography, died on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the age of 64 after being found shot inside a home in Oberlin, Ohio. His death, alongside that of a woman identified in subsequent reporting as his wife, Thi Tran Phong, 56, has left the college community mourning as a double-homicide investigation proceeds.

Nguyen-Duy had taught at Oberlin College since 1998 and was recognised for his artistic work, international exhibitions, and contributions to photography education. College President Carmen Twillie Ambar described him as a beloved professor whose passion for photography had touched the campus community.

What Happened in Oberlin, Ohio?

According to the Oberlin Police Department, officers first responded at approximately 8:57 a.m. on October 28 to the Oberlin College Conservatory parking lot on East College Street. They were assisting firefighters with a vehicle that was smoking and possibly on fire.

Police then attempted to locate the vehicle’s registered owner to check on his welfare. Officers located the man, identified in subsequent reporting as Daniel Jones, 31, of Ashland, Oregon, at approximately 10:19 a.m. and took him into custody without incident.

At approximately 10:28 a.m., officers went to a residence at 33 South Pleasant Street to check on the welfare of family members. There, they discovered two deceased people with multiple gunshot wounds. Nguyen-Duy was found on the first floor, while the woman was found on the second floor.

Suspect Identified and Charges Filed

On October 29, local reporting identified Daniel Jones as Nguyen-Duy’s son and reported that he had been charged in connection with the deaths. According to Cleveland 19, the charges included six counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault, and one count of tampering with evidence. Jones remained in custody at the Lorain County Jail, with a court appearance scheduled.

The charges are allegations, and the case must proceed through the criminal justice system. Authorities had described the incident as believed to be domestic in nature, but a definitive motive had not been publicly established in the reports reviewed.

Oberlin College Mourns Professor Pipo Nguyen-Duy

Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar expressed profound sadness over Nguyen-Duy’s death, describing him as a cherished colleague and a vibrant presence in the classroom and across campus.

Nguyen-Duy had been part of the college’s faculty since 1998. His teaching focused on studio art and photography, and he continued teaching photography courses during the fall 2026 semester.

In response to the tragedy, the college made support resources available to students, faculty, and staff. Studio Art classes were also affected as the campus community began processing the loss of a longtime educator and colleague.

Early Life and Artistic Career

Born in Vietnam, Nguyen-Duy immigrated to the United States as a political refugee in 1975. He went on to establish himself as an internationally exhibited artist, earning prominent recognition for his work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2011.

His career brought together artistic practice and education. Through exhibitions and his work at Oberlin, he contributed to photography and visual arts while helping students explore their own creative approaches.

For colleagues and students, his influence extended beyond individual classes to the broader experience of learning and making art within a college community. His death represents a significant loss for those who knew him through his teaching and artistic work.

Remembering the Two Victims

Nguyen-Duy’s death and the death of Thi Tran Phong have left family members, friends, colleagues, and others affected by the incident facing a sudden and painful loss.

Initial reports described the second victim as a 47-year-old woman, but subsequent reporting identified her as Thi Tran Phong, aged 56. This article uses the later identification while recognising that details in early reports may have changed as more information became available.

Further details about the victims’ personal lives and family arrangements should be included only when confirmed by authorised family statements or reliable reporting.

Investigation and Funeral Arrangements

The Oberlin Police Department and other law enforcement personnel have been investigating the deaths. Authorities said there was no continuing danger to the public after the suspect was taken into custody.

As of the reports reviewed on October 29, confirmed funeral arrangements and memorial-service details for Nguyen-Duy and Phong had not been announced. Oberlin College indicated that opportunities would be provided for the campus community to gather and remember Nguyen-Duy.

Family representatives and authorised institutions may share additional information when arrangements are finalised.

Pipo Nguyen-Duy’s Legacy

Pipo Nguyen-Duy will be remembered for his decades of teaching, his commitment to photography, and his achievements as an internationally exhibited artist. His journey from Vietnam to the United States and his subsequent career in higher education formed a distinctive part of his life story.

For the Oberlin community, his legacy includes the students he taught, the colleagues with whom he worked, and the artistic practice he shared with others. As the investigation continues, those who knew him are left to remember his contribution to the college and the wider arts community.

Our condolences go to the families and loved ones of Pipo Nguyen-Duy and Thi Tran Phong, as well as the students, colleagues, and friends affected by their deaths.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Details are based on reporting and the City of Oberlin’s public statement available as of October 29, 2026. Criminal charges are allegations and do not establish guilt. Readers should consult official police updates, court records, Oberlin College announcements, and authorised family notices for further confirmed information.