The Columbiana County Sheriff's Department is searching for the person who shot and killed a woman and severely injured a 5-year-old boy.

The shooting happened Monday afternoon just south of Salem.

Police said a 12-year-old girl got off a bus just before 4 p.m., entered the home and found the woman shot to death.

Outside the home, the 5-year-old boy was found with a gunshot wound to the head and was still alive.

The boy was airlifted by medical helicopter to Akron Children's Hospital for emergency surgery. His condition was not released as of noon Tuesday.

According to WFMJ, the NBC television station in Youngstown, state investigators were at the scene for several hours processing evidence and a homicide task force is looking for leads.

No weapon was found at the scene and no neighbors reported hearing any gunfire.

The sheriff is not releasing the victims' names until their family members are notified.

Officials said there were three children who lived in the house. Two other children were not home and were not injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or the NEWS9 Lauttamus Security Crime Busters Tipline at 800-862-BUST. Tips can also be emailed to crimebusters@wtov.com.

NEWS9's Kelly Camarote is in Columbiana County gathering more details. Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.