Child found safe; dad sought in slaying, abduction

His son, 7, found safe with relatives or friends  in Indiana hours after fatal shooting of stepson

Zane Bedinger, 7, Troy, was reported missing on Thursday, July 8, 2010. He was found with extended family in Carmel, Ind., after an Amber Alert was issued.

Brandon Haskins was identified as the victim of a shooting death in Troy on Thursday, July 8, 2010. Contributed photo from Claybridgespublishing.com.

Claybridgespublishing.com Brandon Haskins was identified as the victim of a shooting death in Troy on Thursday, July 8, 2010. Contributed photo from Claybridgespublishing.com.

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Police investigating a fatal shooting issued an Amber Alert for a 7-year-old boy taken from the shooting scene Thursday afternoon at the Towne Park apartments on Troy's west side.

Staff photo by Jim Witmer Police investigating a fatal shooting issued an Amber Alert for a 7-year-old boy taken from the shooting scene Thursday afternoon at the Towne Park apartments on Troy's west side.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Nancy Bowman  and Doug Page, Staff Writers Updated 10:01 AM Friday, July 9, 2010

TROY — A 7-year-old boy was found safe in Indiana on Thursday night, July 8, after a nationwide Amber Alert that followed a fatal shooting.

Zane Bedinger was taken to a police department after his father dropped the child off at a friend or relative’s home in Indiana just a couple of hours after allegedly shooting his stepson, 22-year-old Brandon Haskins, Troy Capt. Chris Anderson said.

Police were searching for Jeff Bedinger, 51. He is believed to have a  9 mm gun and is considered dangerous. Bedinger was still at large as of 6:30 a.m. Friday.

Haskins was killed in the shooting at the Troy Towne Park Apartments on the city’s west side around 4 p.m. Kimberly Bedinger, mother to Haskins and Zane Bedinger, witnessed the shooting and saw Jeff Bedinger take their son. She ran to a nearby business for help.

Police did not release a motive in the shooting.

Zane and his mother live in the apartment, as did Haskins.

Jeff and Kimberly Bedinger previously lived at 553 Shroyer Road in Dayton before they separated a couple of weeks ago, according to neighbors.

“He told us she took the dog and the boy, Zane, and moved out,” Kathleen Niarhos said.

Dayton police checked the house shortly after the shooting but didn’t find anyone.

Haskins was a mostly self-taught graphic designer, marketing and PR person who honed his skills in various positions at the Ginghamsburg Church. He also taught Sunday school at the church for more than seven years.

A fan of Facebook and Twitter, Haskins’ nearly 3,000 Facebook friends grieved Thursday night on the loss of a friend whose status updates always kept them entertained.

“He was very well known for his witty style,” said Melissa Leembruggen, Haskins’ friend and business partner.

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