Jordan Cofer, a 22-year-old transgender man, tragically lost his life in the mass shooting that occurred in Dayton, Ohio, on August 4, 2019. Cofer was one of nine victims killed by his brother, Connor Betts, who carried out the attack. The incident took place in the early hours of the morning at Ned Peppers bar, a popular spot in the Oregon District of Dayton.
Jordan Cofer was widely misgendered and deadnamed by the media and police in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Friends and close acquaintances revealed that Cofer identified as a transgender man and used he/him pronouns. He was not widely out to his family, including his brother, Connor Betts. Cofer was remembered by friends as a kind and loving person who tried to give the best to everyone.
The shooting suspect, Connor Betts, was shot dead by police at the scene shortly after the attack began. It remains unclear whether Betts specifically targeted his brother or if Cofer was attempting to intervene to stop the violence. The tragic event highlighted the ongoing issues of gun violence and the need for comprehensive gun control measures in the United States.
In the wake of the shooting, there were no additional arrests or suspects identified beyond Connor Betts. The case did not lead to any significant litigations or ongoing investigations, as Betts was killed at the scene and the incident was treated as a mass shooting rather than a targeted murder.
Jordan Cofer's death is a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on communities and the importance of supporting and respecting the identities of all individuals, especially those from marginalized groups. His memory lives on through the love and support of his friends and the broader community who mourn his loss.
