Desmon Sayles, a 21-year-old African American man from Cincinnati, OH, tragically lost his life on September 24, 2019. He was fatally shot at the Willows of Springdale apartment complex in Springdale, Ohio. Sayles was found in an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The incident occurred just before noon, and police later detained one of three individuals seen fleeing the scene.
The shooting was part of a home invasion.
Sayles is being hailed as a hero for shielding a 3-year-old child during the incident. According to court documents, three men forcibly entered an apartment, demanding money and drugs. When Sayles came out of the bathroom, one of the intruders shot him in the chest. The child was grabbed by one of the suspects and held at gunpoint. Sayles's godsister stated that he saved the child's life with his own.
Police arrested 19-year-old Travone Lamon Thomas in connection with the shooting. Thomas was charged with aggravated murder and held on a $100,000 bond. The other two suspects involved in the home invasion have not been identified or arrested. The investigation is ongoing, and police continue to search for the remaining suspects.
Sayles's death has deeply affected his family and the community. His godsister described him as a gentle giant who loved children. The Springdale Police Department, with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, increased patrols in the area following the incident.
The tragic loss of Desmon Sayles has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and serves as a reminder of the dangers of violent crime.
