Justin Cole Mapp, a 19-year-old male from Xenia, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on November 17, 2016. Justin was born in Dayton to parents Hope Tipton and Darren Mapp. He attended Xenia High School and Greene County Career Center, and enjoyed spending his free time outdoors, engaging in activities such as 4-wheeling, fishing, and hunting. Justin also had a passion for music, both listening and writing.
He was remembered for his sense of humor, rhyme-busting abilities, and his love for life.
Justin's death was the result of a tragic incident that occurred early on the morning of November 17, 2016. According to police reports, Justin was involved in a physical altercation with Steven Bruce Brown Jr., a 31-year-old resident of Xenia, inside their shared home on North Richard Drive. The altercation escalated, and during the struggle, a gun was fired, resulting in Justin sustaining life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to Greene Memorial Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Steven Bruce Brown Jr. was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. He was held in the Greene County Jail on a $20,000 cash bond. The incident was still under investigation, and police were working with the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting. Brown claimed that the shooting was accidental, stating that Justin grabbed for his gun during the altercation, and it went off during their struggle.
The case drew significant attention from the local community, as Xenia had not experienced a deadly shooting in over two years. Neighbors expressed disbelief, describing the neighborhood as typically quiet and safe. The investigation continued as authorities sought to uncover the motive behind the fight and the events leading up to Justin's death.
Justin's family and friends remembered him fondly, noting his loving and compassionate nature. In lieu of flowers, they requested that donations be made to Toys for Tots to ensure that no child went without Christmas. Justin's memory lives on through the love and support of those who knew him.
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