On April 22, 2023, shortly after 11 p.m., Lima Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting at 438 W. McKibben Street in Lima, Ohio. Upon arrival, they discovered 18-year-old John Dyes and 28-year-old Romelo Blackman, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Kenyatta Washington of Lima, fled the state following the incident. An arrest warrant was issued for Washington on April 24, charging him with murder. With assistance from law enforcement in Louisiana, Washington was located and arrested later that evening.
Washington was extradited to Ohio and faced multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, one count of murder, aggravated burglary, and felonious assault. In January 2024, he pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault, each accompanied by a three-year firearm specification. The charges were related to the deaths of Blackman and Dyes, as well as the shooting of 21-year-old Shondale Mayo Jr. earlier that same evening.
In February 2024, Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Terri Kohlrieser sentenced Washington to a minimum of 47 years to life in prison. The sentence comprised 15 years to life for each murder count and 8 to 12 years for the felonious assault, all to be served consecutively, with additional time for the firearm specifications. During sentencing, Washington expressed remorse, stating he felt threatened and acted accordingly. However, Judge Kohlrieser emphasized the severity of his actions, noting the deliberate nature of the shootings and the use of multiple firearms.
The case highlighted concerns about mental health, as Blackman's father mentioned Washington's recent discharge from the Army and potential mental health issues. He urged attention to the mental well-being of individuals returning from military service. The tragic events underscored the devastating impact of violence on the Lima community and the importance of addressing underlying issues contributing to such incidents.
