On April 22, 2023, shortly after 11:00 PM, Lima Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting at 438 W. McKibben Street in Lima, Ohio. Upon arrival, they discovered two deceased individuals: 28-year-old Romelo Blackman and 18-year-old John Dyes, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Lima resident Kenyatta Washington, was apprehended in Louisiana on April 24, 2023, with assistance from local law enforcement. An arrest warrant had been issued for Washington on charges of murder. He was subsequently extradited to Allen County, Ohio, where his bond was set at $2 million.
In June 2023, an Allen County grand jury indicted Washington on multiple charges, including aggravated burglary, felonious assault, two counts of aggravated murder, and one count of murder. In January 2024, Washington pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault, each accompanied by a firearm specification. The felonious assault charge was connected to a separate shooting earlier that same evening, which left 21-year-old Shondale Mayo Jr. injured.
On February 22, 2024, 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, with an additional three years for each firearm specification. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively.
The motive behind the shootings was not fully detailed during court proceedings. However, statements from family members and prosecutors suggested that Washington's actions may have been influenced by personal grievances and perceived threats. Notably, Blackman's father emphasized that the incident was not gang-related, describing Washington as a close family friend who had previously lived with them.
The tragic deaths of Blackman and Dyes had a profound impact on the Lima community, prompting discussions about violence and mental health. The swift apprehension and prosecution of Washington provided some measure of justice for the victims' families.
