On August 9, 2021, 16-year-old Da'Monta Meals tragically lost his life in Dayton, Ohio. The incident occurred in the 800 block of Westwood Avenue around 11:15 p.m. Da'Monta was in his mother's vehicle with another 14-year-old when they reportedly found a gun in the glovebox. According to Major Brian Johns of the Dayton Police Department, the gun discharged once, and the 14-year-old fled the vehicle, hearing another shot before running away.
When officers arrived at the scene, Da'Monta was found in the street, and homicide detectives were called to investigate.
The cause of Da'Monta's death has not been officially determined, and the investigation is ongoing. Police have not identified any suspects and have emphasized the importance of gun safety, urging parents to keep firearms locked and out of reach of children. The weapon's ownership status is also under scrutiny, as it is not confirmed whether Da'Monta's mother legally owned the gun.
As of now, there have been no arrests or suspects named in connection with Da'Monta's death. The case remains open, and authorities continue to seek information that could lead to a resolution. The community has been encouraged to come forward with any relevant information to aid in the investigation.
The tragic loss of Da'Monta Meals has sparked conversations about gun safety and the need for responsible firearm storage. The Dayton Police Department has reiterated that gun safety begins at home and that parents should take steps to ensure that firearms are not accessible to children. The investigation continues, and the hope is that justice will be served for Da'Monta and his family.
