William Boykin, a 66-year-old paraplegic and Air Force veteran, was tragically killed on December 22, 2010, in Dayton, Ohio. Boykin had worked for many years as a truck driver and in construction until back surgery left him paralyzed. On that tragic night, Boykin was found dead in the front seat of his Ford Windstar van. His body had been stabbed numerous times, and a ligature was found tightened around his neck. The vehicle had been abandoned in an alley near the 700 block of Ferguson Lane, where it was later discovered by a responding officer. Blood was found pooling on the van’s floor, adding to the gruesome nature of his death.
Boykin’s family described him as a loving father and grandfather. He was last seen by his family a few days before his death at a church gathering, where he had been joyful about his youngest son recently joining the church. His oldest daughter, Merlissa Quendo, moved back from New York City to reconnect with her father and her children’s grandfather. She remembered Boykin as a family-oriented man who always encouraged his children to look out for one another. His sudden death robbed the family of their patriarch and left a profound void in their lives.
The investigation into Boykin's murder has faced challenges, but there was a significant development when a woman named Symonette Moore, who was reportedly seen with Boykin shortly before his disappearance, was taken into custody. Although Moore was initially detained for parole violations and carrying a concealed weapon, she was also considered a person of interest in Boykin's murder. Investigators questioned her in hopes of gaining information, but no formal charges related to the homicide were announced. The investigation remains open, and the Dayton police continue to seek any information that might help solve the case.
