On the evening of March 14, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Dayton, Ohio, resulting in the deaths of 14-year-old Corey Prater and 17-year-old Javonta Morgan. The shooting took place in the 1600 block of Miami Chapel Road, near Louise Troy Elementary School. According to reports, the incident involved a confrontation among a group of boys, as stated by a 911 caller.
The Dayton Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 7:19 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed that two individuals had been shot, with one juvenile fatally wounded. The community was left in shock as news of the young victims spread.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement authorities identified a suspect in the case. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Michael Johnson Jr., who was accused of shooting and killing both Corey Prater and Javonta Morgan. The U.S. Marshals Service joined the search for Johnson, who was described as a teenager. As of March 28, 2024, authorities were still actively searching for the suspect, with a reward offered for information leading to his apprehension.
The case took an additional turn when, on March 25, 2024, an incident occurred involving relatives of Corey Prater who were leaving his funeral. Two men, Daviontay Maurice Travis Hunter, 21, and Thomas Michael Peck Jr., 20, were accused of following family members and shooting at their vehicle. Both men were subsequently arrested and faced legal consequences for their actions.
Hunter pleaded guilty to felonious assault and was sentenced to two to three years in prison. Peck initially faced felonious assault charges but later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted felonious assault. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and five years of probation under close supervision.
The tragic loss of Corey Prater and Javonta Morgan, coupled with the subsequent events surrounding Prater's funeral, has deeply affected the Dayton community. As investigations continue, law enforcement remains committed to bringing all involved parties to justice.
