Christopher Byron "C.J." Sandle, a 20-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed in his Hamilton, Ohio home on January 13, 2016. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 6:00-6:30 AM, when an intruder broke into his home and shot him while he was sleeping. C.J.'s mother, Rebecca Sandle, was also present in the house and was confronted by the intruder, who pointed a gun at her head but did not harm her.
Despite her frantic efforts to save her son, the injuries proved fatal.
The Hamilton Police Department has been diligently investigating the case, but despite their efforts, no arrests have been made. In January 2021, the police announced that the primary suspect in the case had died, leaving the investigation at a standstill. The police have stated that they have substantial evidence pointing to the perpetrator, but the lack of a living suspect has prevented them from bringing the case to court. The investigation remains open, and detectives continue to pursue justice for C.J.'s family.
C.J. Sandle was known in his community as a gentle giant and a protective older brother. He had a unique start to life, being born in New Zealand, moving to Australia as a toddler, and eventually settling in Ohio. He played on Hamilton's youth football team and graduated from Hamilton High School in 2014. His mother has called for a day of "random acts of kindness" to honor his memory and encourage the community to come together in his memory.
The case has garnered significant attention, with a $10,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest. Despite the passage of time, C.J.'s family continues to seek closure and justice for their beloved son and brother.
