People can call 937-333-1232 to speak to a detective or submit tips anonymously through Miami Valley Crime Stoppers by calling 937-222-STOP (7867) or visiting www.miamivalleycrimestoppers.com.
“This incident is obviously extremely tragic,” Sheldon said. “It’s tragic for the family, it’s tragic for the officers that had to respond to this and render first aid to this 5-year-old and it’s tragic to the community.”
He urged people to tell police what they know instead of seeking “street justice” and perpetuating more violence.
“That’s what we want to avoid,” Sheldon said. “We want them to come forward with that information so that we can use it and get justice for this victim.”
The shooting took place just before 9:30 p.m. Friday in the 3000 block of Nicholas Road near Millicent Avenue.
Officers arrived on scene and immediately began providing first aid to the girl. Police also located a second victim, the girl’s 27-year-old father.
Medics transported both to area hospitals, but the girl died from injuries. Her father’s injuries are non-life-threatening.
The initial investigation determined the father had strapped the girl in her safety seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
The gunfire started after he got into the front seat and started the vehicle, Sheldon said.
Credit: Aimee Hancock
Credit: Aimee Hancock
“He attempted to exit the vehicle to grab his child and run inside for safety. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it inside before she was struck and succumbed to her injuries,” Sheldon said.
It’s not clear if the girl was shot while she was in the vehicle or outside of it.
The vehicle had multiple bullet holes and investigators are working to place the shots, the lieutenant said.
Detectives interviewed multiple people at the scene and are compiling that information. Sheldon could not release details about the type of gun used or if crews recovered shell casings from multiple guns at the scene.
He said there is no evidence the father returned fire during the shooting.
Investigators are also working to find a motive and if this was a targeted shooting. As of Monday, there is no known suspect, Sheldon said.
On Sunday, more than 100 people attended a memorial in honor of Legaci Deshawn Taylor.
Her cousin, 10-year-old Princetyn Daniels, called on people to stop the violence.
“All I want to say is ya’ll need to stop that stupid stuff; ain’t no way this should be going on,” she said. “She was only 5 years old.”
Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims also spoke during the memorial.
“To our kids right now: We love you, and we need you to help us by loving yourself, your friends, your neighbors, teammates, and classmates,” he said. “And we have to do a better job as adults providing programs where you can find things to do with your skills and talents instead of harming each other.”
About the Authors
