DaytonDailyNews.com

Nine years ago, Kevin Brame, a Dayton police officer, was ambushed, shot and killed outside 624 Cherry Drive, then the home of his estranged wife.

It was about 9 p.m. on Nov. 1, 1999, and off-duty Brame, 31, had just returned his two sons, Tony, then 8, and Dominick, 5, to their mother, Carla Brame.

Investigators believe the killer or killers emerged from a row of hedges near the house and Brame did not have a chance to defend himself. His life ended face-down on the asphalt driveway.

Had he lived, Kevin Brame, a much loved and highly respected member of the community and the Dayton Police Department, would now be 40 years old. His death came on the birthday of his father, Gerald Brame, a veteran Dayton police officer who is now retired.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, family members and friends, will gather at Zion Baptist Church, 1684 Earlham Drive, at 5 p.m. His mother, Rosemary Peters-Brame, said the family invite the community to join them for "a season of prayer for justice."

"We also hope that as many law officers as possible who are off-duty Saturday evening will be able to join us," the mother said.

"We also invite other families who have been victims of crime to pray with us. If there are those who are unable to be with us but want to show support, well, they are invited to pray in their own churches or homes. We feel there is strength in the power of prayer."

The unsolved killing of Brame was turned over to the Cold Case Unit in 2003.

"The detectives are in touch from time to time, and I know they are working hard and want to solve the case," said the slain officer's mother. "Detective Donna Pack and the others keep us informed. Clues are slow in coming, but they await a big break in the investigation."

According to police investigators, Carla Brame, Kevin's estranged wife, moved to Arlington, Texas, with her two sons after the crime.

"Carla has not allowed us to see our grandsons for nine years now," Peters-Brame said. "It breaks my heart that we are unable to visit with our grandchildren."

Billboard-size photographs of officer Brame seeking information on the crime are posted around town.

"The banner hanging on the Third District building on Washington Street was apparently blown down by the wind recently," Peters-Brame said. "I sent a message to police Chief (Richard) Biehl after friends told me about it and I drove by and saw the banner dangling. I explained to him that this definitely sends a wrong message. I am certain it will be taken care of."

Peters-Brame said that her son always loved being a police officer.

"Kevin joined the Air Force Reserves after graduating from Colonel White High School," she said. "Then on June 17, 1993, he became a proud member of the Dayton Police Department. He had a promising future and he wrote on the job application that his goal was 'to be a good cop.' "

There is a reward of $100,000 being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Brame's murder. Anyone with information can call Dayton detectives at 333-1190 or Crime Stoppers at 222-STOP (7867.)

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