State Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash in Paulding County.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 31, 2026, at approximately 6:29 P.M. on U.S. 127 near mile post 8 in Paulding County. A 2020 Chevrolet Traverse was being driven southbound on U.S. 127 by Guadalupe Amaro Martinez II, age 28, of Paulding, Ohio. A 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 was being driven northbound on US-127 by Judd Charles Spencer, age 56, of Cecil, OH. Martinez crossed the center line and was struck head-on by Spencer. Martinez and his passenger, Guadalupe A Martinez Jr, age 55, of Paulding were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.