Man Accused in Fatal Phoenix Shooting Had Protective Order Filed Against Him Morning Before Shooting

PHOENIX- A man accused of shooting and killing his father-in-law Saturday afternoon had a protective order against him taken out that morning, according to court records.

Mark Thomas Ryan, 41, of Bel Air was arrested at the Sawmill Court home of his wife’s parents after allegedly shooting 74-year-old Robert MacMeekin.

According to charging documents, Ryan and his wife had been involved in a domestic dispute Friday in which Ryan allegedly struck his wife and referenced a gun he had stored in a safe. 

Ryan’s wife fled to her parents’ home, police said. The following morning, she and her father went to the Harford County sheriff’s office where she filed for a temporary protective order.

Ryan allegedly continued contacting his wife by phone and text, police wrote. In one phone call, MacMeekin spoke to Ryan and told him he would not be returning the children until Monday. Police said MacMeekin also notified Ryan of the protective order that was had been issued.

Police say Ryan then drove to MacMeekin’s home around 2:30 p.m. and fired several shots at MacMeekin, who was on the patio. 

Ryan dropped the gun after the shooting and stayed at the scene until police arrived, according to court records. Charging documents say Ryan admitted to the shooting, saying he was angry about the protective order and about his children not being returned to him.

MacMeekin was a personal injury attorney with the Fine, Kelly and MacMeekin.

Ryan is charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, according to court records. He is scheduled for a bail hearing Monday afternoon in Towson District Court.