May 28, 2021
May has been a tragic month for many families in our community and nation. Let us not become insensitive to the loss of life occurring through local violence and mass shootings throughout our country. Let us remember each brother and sister and all who mourn the loss of their loved ones. Kirby Shoffner, 25, was shot on April 27 on Leland Ave. and taken off life-support on May 1. Shanika Bogan, 31, was murdered by an acquaintance on Uhrig Ave. between 9 pm on April 30 and 5:30 am on May 1. Her two children, ages 10 and 4, were in the home at the time of her death but thankfully did not witness it. Kameron D. Dewberry, 18, was shot multiple times on Hudson Ave./Rustic Rd. by another 18 year-old and died on May 8. He was born in Lima, OH and buried in Lima. His parents reside in Dayton. J’Yon Kolby-Lee Manson-Coleman, 15, was shot to death in Harrison Twp. An article in DDN on May 19 featured great-grandmother Mary Cook who helped raise him. The article expressed her grief and her insight into the cause of violence among youth. J’Yon is survived by his father, grandparents and 7 siblings. Wayne Bowman, 57, was shot to death on Xenia Ave. near S. Keowee St. on May 16. May be “Stand your Ground” situation. Jacob Osborne, 22, was shot to death on Hamilton Ave. Bart Adkins, 61, was stabbed to death near Troy Food Market, May 16; may be self defense. Adrian Cook, 19, was shot to death on May 17 at a gas station on Germantown St.