In the early hours of October 9, 2024, a tragic and senseless act of violence claimed the life of 23-year-old Justin Askew, who was fatally shot in Trotwood, Ohio. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office officially identified Askew as the victim of the shooting, a case that has left the community reeling and authorities scrambling to piece together the events leading to his untimely death. Askew’s death, which unfolded in a harrowing and chaotic sequence of events, has triggered a full-scale investigation by the Trotwood Police Department, as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, identify suspects, and make arrests.
The incident began in a residential area near the 5300 block of Free Pike in Trotwood, where authorities believe the actual shooting took place. However, the night would take an even darker turn as Justin Askew and another injured victim, whose identity has not yet been released, sought help at two gas stations before finally succumbing to their injuries.
According to the initial reports, the investigation was triggered when one of the shooting victims managed to drive from the crime scene to a gas station at the intersection of Salem Avenue and Free Pike, desperately seeking assistance. The chaos of the moment is captured in the frantic 911 calls made by employees and witnesses at the gas station, describing a young man who had been shot and was gravely injured. At this point, Justin Askew, along with the other victim, appeared to have sustained life-threatening injuries from the gunfire.
Unable to receive immediate medical attention at the first gas station, the victims continued to drive a short distance away, pulling into the parking lot of the Sonoco gas station, just a block down the road from the initial location. It was here, around 2:40 AM, that workers at the gas station contacted emergency services, reporting that a man had been shot and was unresponsive in the parking lot. Tragically, by the time first responders arrived on the scene, it was clear that Justin Askew’s injuries were too severe, and he did not survive the journey to the hospital.
The second victim, who was also in critical condition, was transported to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment, but at the time of the initial investigation, it was unclear whether this individual would survive or provide authorities with crucial information about the shooting. As of this writing, the condition of the second victim remains undisclosed, and law enforcement has not released any further details about their identity.
A Night of Chaos: The Timeline of Events
The exact timeline of events leading to the shooting and the subsequent efforts by Askew and the other victim to seek help is still being pieced together by detectives. However, the sequence of events paints a grim picture of a night marked by fear, confusion, and violence.
Authorities believe that the shooting itself took place near the 5300 block of Free Pike, a residential area known for being a quiet neighborhood but now marred by this deadly crime. Whether the shooting occurred inside a vehicle or in the surrounding area is still under investigation, as detectives are combing through evidence and witness statements. Given the location of the initial crime scene, it’s possible that the victims were ambushed or caught off guard, with little time to react or seek shelter.
In a desperate attempt to survive, the victims managed to drive themselves to a gas station on Salem Avenue, where the first 911 call was placed. The sheer panic of the moment is palpable in the audio from that night, with gas station workers and bystanders attempting to convey the severity of the situation to emergency dispatchers. Askew, though critically injured, managed to continue driving a short distance to the Sonoco gas station, hoping that additional help would arrive.
Unfortunately, despite the proximity of the gas stations and the arrival of first responders, Askew’s injuries were too extensive, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The other victim was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital, where they remain under intensive care.
The Ongoing Investigation: Authorities Search for Answers
The Trotwood Police Department, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting. Crime scene investigators have spent countless hours analyzing the two gas stations as well as the suspected location of the shooting along Free Pike. The area was cordoned off for several hours as detectives searched for physical evidence, collected shell casings, and interviewed any potential witnesses.
Authorities are still working to establish a clear motive for the shooting. While it is known that Justin Askew and the second victim were traveling together at the time of the shooting, it remains unclear whether the victims knew their assailants or if the attack was random. Investigators are exploring several possibilities, including whether the shooting was the result of a personal dispute, gang-related activity, or a targeted ambush. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras to identify any suspicious vehicles or individuals that may have been involved in the shooting.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not identified any suspects publicly. However, detectives are following multiple leads, and there is hope that the surviving victim may be able to provide critical information once they are stabilized and able to speak with law enforcement.
The Trotwood Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. In particular, they are appealing to witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity in the area of Free Pike on the night of the shooting or who may have been at one of the gas stations during the time when the victims arrived. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Trotwood Police Department’s tip line or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
The Community Response: Shock, Grief, and Calls for Justice
News of Justin Askew’s death has sent shockwaves through the Trotwood community and the surrounding Dayton area. Askew, who was only 23 years old, is remembered by friends and family as a bright, ambitious young man with a promising future ahead of him. His sudden and violent death has left those who knew him grappling with grief, anger, and a desire for justice.
Family members of Askew have expressed their devastation over the loss of their loved one, describing him as a kind-hearted and hardworking individual who cared deeply for those around him. Friends of Askew took to social media to share memories of him and to call for justice in the wake of his tragic death. Many in the community have rallied around the family, offering support during this incredibly difficult time.
Trotwood, like many small cities, has seen its share of violence in recent years, but the nature of this particular shooting has struck a nerve with residents. The fact that two young men were gunned down in what appears to be a deliberate attack has raised concerns about public safety and the growing issue of gun violence in the region. Community leaders have called for action to address the root causes of such violence and to prevent further tragedies from occurring.
Local activists and advocates for gun control have also weighed in on the incident, using the tragedy as an opportunity to call for stronger laws and measures to reduce gun violence. In a statement released after the shooting, members of the Dayton chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America called for “an immediate and comprehensive response to the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in our communities,” adding that the loss of young lives like Justin Askew’s should not be tolerated or accepted as a normal part of life in America.
Remembering Justin Askew: A Life Cut Short
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served for Justin Askew and his family. However, amidst the pursuit of answers, it’s important not to lose sight of the person whose life was tragically cut short.
Justin Askew was just 23 years old, a young man with dreams, ambitions, and a future that was taken away far too soon. Those who knew him described him as a gentle and caring individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Whether in his personal life or his professional pursuits, Askew was known for his dedication and work ethic, traits that endeared him to his friends, family, and colleagues.
In the days following his death, friends and loved ones have gathered to remember the impact Justin had on their lives. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor his memory and to offer support to his grieving family. The loss of such a young and promising life has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and the community is determined to keep his memory alive as they seek justice for the crime that took him away.
Moving Forward: A Community Seeking Closure
As the investigation unfolds, the community of Trotwood remains on edge, waiting for answers and hoping for justice. While the police work diligently to track down those responsible for the shooting, the memory of Justin Askew will continue to loom large over the community. His death serves as a stark reminder of the need for action to prevent further violence and to ensure that no more young lives are lost to senseless acts of aggression.
For now, Trotwood grieves the loss of one of its own, and the search for justice continues. As the investigation into the shooting progresses, the hope remains that those responsible will be brought to justice and that the community can begin to heal from this devastating tragedy.
