On January 4, 2023, at approximately 4:13 p.m., Dayton police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1800 block of Banker Place, located in the DeSoto Bass apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds: 22-year-old Victor "Buster" Humphrey and 23-year-old James Anderson. Humphrey was pronounced dead at the scene, while Anderson was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A third individual, a 29-year-old man, arrived at the same hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The Montgomery County Coroner's Office confirmed the identities of the deceased, and Dayton police initiated a homicide investigation. Authorities stated that all individuals involved in the incident had been accounted for, suggesting no immediate threat to the public. However, specific details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting were not disclosed.
As of the latest available information, there have been no reports of arrests or charges filed in connection with the deaths of Humphrey and Anderson. The Dayton Police Department continues to investigate the case. They have urged anyone with pertinent information to contact their detectives at 937-333-1232. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be provided through Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-7867 or via their website.
Humphrey's obituary notes that he was affectionately known as "Buster" and was remembered for his compassionate nature and willingness to assist others. He was employed at Family Dollar and was a member of New Commandment Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his mother, Dionne Rochelle Perry, and several siblings. Funeral services were held on January 13, 2023, at Donald Jordan Memorial Chapel in Dayton.
The tragic deaths of Humphrey and Anderson contributed to a concerning increase in homicides in Dayton during the early months of 2023. By March, the city had experienced nearly double the number of homicides compared to the same period in the previous year, placing a significant strain on local law enforcement resources. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing the surge in violent crime and continue to seek information from the public to aid in their investigations.
