INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Indianapolis radio personality Ronald Sexton, primarily known for voicing Donnie Baker in ‘The Tom & Bob Show’, died on Friday, July 21, at 52. While Sexton’s family shared the news on his official Facebook page on Saturday morning, they did not reveal the cause of his death.
“It is with immense sadness that we let everyone know that Ron Sexton passed away yesterday,” his family wrote on Facebook before adding, “He was Donnie Baker to most of you, but Ron and Dad to us. Please respect our privacy at this time and pray for our family,” per USA Today. Sexton died in his hotel room in Ohio while he was on a tour with his standup comedy show.
However, months before, Sexton went through a death scare when the radio personality was shot by a man named Paul Berkemeier.
Who is Paul Berkemeier?
Paul Berkemeier is the husband of a woman who was allegedly Sexton’s girlfriend. Indianapolis Metro Police Department investigators said that Berkemeier shot Sexton on December 11, 2021, while driving his SUV on North Shadeland Avenue, as reported by WTHR.
After the shooting, Sexton said that he counted a total of nine holes in the car and that the shooter was probably known to him. In a case of jealousy, Berkemeier shot and attempted to murder Sexton as the comedian was allegedly having an affair with his wife. In the statement given to police, Sexton said that before the shooting, he went out to perform in the town of Portland, Indianapolis.
Referring to Berkemeier’s wife as his “girlfriend,” the radio personality then said that he later met her at the Northside Bar and Grill at 7526 N. Shadeland Ave, before leaving in separate cars. They were planning to leave the woman’s car in the parking garage of Community North Hospital. He further said in the statement which was released by police in January that while he was driving toward Community North, he noticed a vehicle coming to his left. He said that he "immediately recognized the driver to be Mrs. Berkemeier's husband, Paul Berkemeier," as he had seen him before.
He also claimed that was not the first time Berkemeier was violent toward him. Previously, he “attacked him” and threatened Sexton and his family, the latter alleged. Sexton lodged a police complaint against Berkeheimer in October 2021.
Berkemeier shot some rounds which made holes in the car’s windshield. While Sexton wasn’t hurt by the bullets, he was hurt by the shattered glass. He told the police, "It wasn't a scare tactic, he was trying to make sure that I was dead. He was trying to kill me, there's no doubt.”
Apart from the charge of attempted murder, Berkemeier was charged with unlawful carrying of a firearm which was linked with a 2017 felony conviction for theft.
Berkemeier's wife confirmed story
Berkemeier’s wife confirmed Sexton’s version saying her husband became angry when she went out of their Shelbyville home for the rendezvous with Sexton. She also claimed that she thought Berkemeier probably installed a GPS tracker on her car.
