Dayton, Ohio — Authorities are seeking assistance from the public to identify a suspect in a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a 5-year-old girl in southwest Dayton on Friday.
During a press briefing on Monday, Dayton police confirmed that the investigation into the suspect is ongoing, though they are being cautious about the details they disclose to avoid complicating the case.
Officers were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m. Friday after reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered a 27-year-old father and his 5-year-old daughter suffering from gunshot wounds while in their vehicle. The girl was in a car seat at the time.
Both were transported to a hospital; sadly, the girl later passed away, while her father’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Authorities are hopeful that evidence from the vehicle, which was towed away that night, will provide more insights into the shooting.
Lt. Eric Sheldon, who leads the Violent Crimes Bureau, expressed the deep tragedy of the incident not just for the family, but also for the community and responding officers. “It’s incredibly sad,” he said, noting the impact of such violence.
As of now, there are no leads on potential suspects.
Sheldon urged anyone with information, regardless of its significance, to come forward. “It’s crucial that people don’t hold onto information and take justice into their own hands,” he remarked.
The community held a balloon release vigil for the little girl on Sunday evening.
A second young man was murdered in the neighborhood within a month.
This incident marks the second shooting involving a young person in Dayton’s Highview Hills area within a month.
Hilary Farr, 17, was tragically shot and killed on September 14th.
Sheldon mentioned that the department is assessing whether there are connections between the two cases, indicating that they will incorporate this into the ongoing murder investigation.
Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. stated that he’s been in touch with law enforcement, emphasizing that enough is enough. “Two cases like this in a month is just too much,” he insisted.
The Dayton Police Department’s Homicide Unit is in charge of the investigation and encourages anyone with details about the shooting to contact them at 937-333-1232. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867) or through their website.
