On August 5, 2022, 15-year-old Kayla Anderson, a sophomore at Vandalia-Butler High School and a member of the JV soccer team, was tragically killed in a mass shooting in Butler Township, Dayton, Ohio. Kayla's mother, Sarah Anderson, aged 41, also lost her life in the incident. The victims were among four people who were fatally shot in their neighborhood.
The other victims were Clyde Knox, 82, and his wife Eva "Sally" Knox, 78.
The suspect, Stephen Marlow, 40, was arrested the following day in Lawrence, Kansas, after fleeing the scene. Marlow faces more than 20 charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with the killings. In December 2022, Marlow entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, and his competency to stand trial is still under evaluation.
The community has been deeply affected by the loss of Kayla and Sarah Anderson. Brett Anderson, Kayla's father, has been working to honor their memory by establishing a scholarship fund in Kayla's name. The scholarship aims to support students who exemplify the qualities and character that Kayla embodied. The first round of scholarships was awarded to two Vandalia-Butler seniors in 2023.
The tragic event has left a lasting impact on the community, with many mourning the loss of Kayla and Sarah Anderson. The Anderson family continues to receive support from friends, family, and the community as they navigate their grief and work to keep Kayla's memory alive.
