Judge orders mental health exam for North Royalton shooting suspect

A judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Edward Biesiada on Wednesday. The evaluation follows Biesiada's arraignment on charges related to the fatal shooting of a local official. He is currently being held without bond.

Biesiada is scheduled to return to court on December 8. He has pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and one count of intimidation. The next court date will allow the defense and prosecution to review the results of the psychiatric review.

The victim was David Smerek, 52, a building commissioner from Brunswick. Smerek was killed on July 24 around 1:25 p.m. at the North Royalton Service Center. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley stated that Biesiada parked his vehicle in the lot and entered the building with a firearm. The prosecutor said Biesiada approached Smerek and shot him multiple times. After the shooting, Biesiada placed the gun on a counter and walked to the front of the building, where police and firefighters took him into custody. Smerek was pronounced dead at the scene.

North Royalton Mayor Paul Marnecheck II described the incident as senseless gun violence. He praised Smerek as a dedicated public servant. Marnecheck said Smerek always asked how he could help residents understand building codes and enjoy the city. The mayor noted that Smerek was one of the finest people anyone could work with.

Records show a prior interaction between the two men. On July 10, Smerek cited Biesiada for a misdemeanor violation regarding the exterior of his premises. This citation occurred 14 days before the fatal shooting at the Service Center.