Dayton, Ohio — Tragedy struck Dayton once more as police confirmed the death of a second victim following a mass shooting early last Monday. The incident, which has escalated concerns over local safety, occurred around 12:50 a.m. at a gathering outside a vacant house located at the intersection of Home and Euclid Avenues.
The deceased, identified by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office as 18-year-old Jhakavion Casey, succumbed to injuries sustained in the shooting that also claimed the life of 22-year-old Donna Zile. Initial reports had noted Casey was in critical condition before he later passed away.
Police revealed that the shooting injured seven others, including two 17-year-old females, additional 18-year-old males, and a 20-year-old female. The violence erupted amongst a large gathering, leading to widespread panic and a swift response from emergency services.
Dayton Police Sgt. Creigee S. Coleman highlighted the severity of the situation, pointing out the discovery of numerous shell casings at the scene and indicating a high-caliber violence. “We need to uncover exactly what instigated this tragedy so we can bring those responsible to justice,” Coleman stated, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving the case.
Authorities are now canvassing the area, interviewing witnesses, and checking available video footage from surrounding security devices, including residential doorbell cameras. Dayton’s Homicide Unit is taking a lead role in the investigation, with additional checks ongoing at three primary locations along Home, Euclid, and Gordon Avenues.
The public has been urged to come forward with any information, with assurances that they can remain anonymous if they choose. Police are specifically reaching out through hotlines and local community networks to gather leads that might help in pinpointing the suspects involved in the shooting.
As this community reels from yet another act of senseless violence, local leaders and law enforcement officials are calling for an increase in public vigilance and support. Community safety programs and neighborhood watches are being mobilized to prevent further incidents.
This latest incident marks a continuation of violence affecting Dayton, which has seen various shootings in recent months, signalling a troubling trend in the area. Community members and officials alike are advocating for stronger preventative measures and more robust community policing efforts to address this upsurge in violence.
With the situation developing, police affirm their commitment to keeping the public informed as new details arise, focusing on transparency and community collaboration to address and curtail the local surge in violent crimes. Meanwhile, the city mourns the loss of its young residents, hoping for peace and solutions to emerge from the aftermath of this devastating event.