On the morning of April 4, 2025, 18-year-old Alfred Charles Hale III, an African American male and senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio, was fatally shot near 27 S. Jefferson Street. According to reports, Alfred entered the In & Out Restaurant after being shot in the stomach, seeking assistance. Emergency responders arrived promptly and transported him to Miami Valley Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Dayton Police Department launched an immediate investigation into the incident. Utilizing surveillance footage and other technological resources, they identified a suspect. On April 7, 2025, authorities arrested 23-year-old Julius Maurice Williamson Jr. in connection with the shooting. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on suspicion of murder and a parole violation.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Dayton community expressed profound grief. Dayton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence described the event as "devastating" and emphasized the district's commitment to supporting Alfred's family, including organizing internal fundraisers to assist with funeral expenses. Counseling services were made available to students affected by the loss.
Alfred's family and friends honored his memory with a balloon release, encouraging attendees to wear blue and gold, the colors of his favorite basketball team, the Golden State Warriors. The community's response underscored the deep impact of Alfred's life and the collective mourning over his untimely death.
