On July 10, 2023, 9-year-old Da'Myiah La'Bria Barton-Pickens was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting at her home on Plainfield Road in Silverton, a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. Around 11:30 p.m., assailants fired approximately 28 rounds into the residence, one of which struck Da'Myiah in the chest. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and transportation to Jewish Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
At the time of the shooting, Da'Myiah was inside the home with her grandmother, Laticia Copeland, and a 9-year-old friend, identified as M.G., who was grazed by a bullet but survived.
Authorities swiftly identified and apprehended three suspects in connection with the shooting. Ryan Brown, 27, and Qasseem Dixon, 25, were charged with aggravated murder. Investigations revealed that Brown and Dixon drove to the residence and opened fire, allegedly in retaliation for a prior drug-related incident. The intended target was not present at the time, leaving the children and grandmother as unintended victims. Both men face potential life sentences if convicted.
A third individual, 22-year-old Demario Williams, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and vehicular assault. Authorities allege that Williams attempted to assist Brown and Dixon in concealing the crime. He was apprehended following a vehicle crash during a pursuit by law enforcement, during which weapons believed to be used in the shooting were recovered. Williams was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his involvement.
Da'Myiah was remembered as a vivacious and bright child, known for her infectious energy. She was a cheerleader for the West Side Panthers, a youth football and cheerleading organization. Her untimely death prompted community outcry and calls for an end to gun violence, with family and friends honoring her memory through marches and balloon releases.
The case underscores the devastating impact of retaliatory violence and the innocent lives caught in its crossfire. Law enforcement officials emphasized their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice and highlighted the importance of community cooperation in addressing such tragedies.
