Risner’s death at 113 Anne Road was ruled a homicide by the Butler County Coroner’s Office following an autopsy on Wednesday.
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Risner’s cause of death was listed as pending by the coroner, but family members who met with Monroe police say she was shot. Police have released no further details.
Melissa Risner Boggs, Amy’s cousin, said Risner was Madison High School graduate. The following statement from the family was released by Boggs while the woman’s parents were in the process of planning her funeral:
“As we learn more details on Amy’s murder, our hearts break a bit more with each detail. We have been officially informed that Amy was shot in the back. While the death of a loved one is never easy, the violence of her death makes it even harder to deal with and try to comprehend. We hope that Amy will be remembered as a fun-loving, spunky, kind-hearted woman that loved her children and family very much.
“We are grateful for the outreach of extended family, friends, and strangers. In the coming days, we will spend time with our loved ones, focusing on more positive days and the memories we have.”
Two men were booked into the Butler County Jail within 24 hours of a man finding Risner dead in the residence. Bonds of $1 million were set Thursday for Jordan James Lay, 22, and Nicholas Alan Mattox, 23, who are charged with aggravated murder for allegedly killing Risner.
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According to court records, police say Lay confessed to killing Amy Risner on Tuesday.
Police were called shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday on a report of an unresponsive person to the Anne Road house. Risner was pronounced dead at the scene.
A distraught male called 911 telling dispatchers he had just gotten out of jail and found “Amy” dead in the house.
“She is dead, she overdosed … Oh my God,” the man told dispatchers
The caller said he believed the woman overdosed on heroin.
“She’s dead, she’s cold. There is a lot of blood,” the man said. “There is blood everywhere, ma’am, and there’s needles. She is dead.”
Boggs said, “Continued prayers and positive thoughts are welcomed and appreciated for all of us involved; no families should have to endure the pain of such a heartbreaking and senseless situation.”
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