Crime
18-year-old Ja’Niyah Hardy killed in Trotwood shooting
20-year-old Donte Lamar Cotton, Jr charged with murder after deadly Trotwood shooting
UPDATE: A 20-year-old man, Donte Lamar Cotton, Jr., has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, October 22nd, in Trotwood, Ohio.
Trotwood Police responded to a call reporting a shooting at the 5500 block of Autumn Woods Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 18-year-old Ja’niyah Hardy, who had been fatally shot.
The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office identified Hardy as the victim of the shooting.
The investigation revealed that a domestic dispute between Cotton and Hardy took place within the apartment they shared at the Autumn Woods Drive address.
Cotton has also been charged with felony counts of tampering with evidence related to Hardy’s death.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Trotwood Police Department at 937-837-7771 or Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP.
Cotton’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, October 25th.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
The victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday at an apartment complex in Trotwood, Ohio has been identified.
Trotwood Police responded to a call at the 5500 block of Autumn Woods Drive around 3 PM, where they discovered an unresponsive woman lying on her back near the front door.
The woman, identified as Ja’Niyah Hardy, 18, had sustained a gunshot wound.
Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Hardy succumbed to her injuries.
The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office is investigating the cause of death.
Authorities have confirmed that another person was present at the residence at the time of the shooting.
However, it remains unclear if a suspect is in custody.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Further details will be released as they become available.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.