CASE FILE #BLPD-2019-08-04-001
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SOLVED

2019 Dayton Shooting

Mass Shooting Incident

CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder

LOCATION

Dayton, Ohio

TIME PERIOD

August 4, 2019

VICTIMS

10 confirmed

CASE ACTIONS
AI ANALYSIS
OFFICIAL BRIEFING (FACT-BASED)

On August 4, 2019, at approximately 1:05 a.m., 24-year-old Connor Betts carried out a mass shooting near the Ned Peppers Bar in the Oregon District of Dayton, Ohio, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals, including his own brother, and injuring 27 others. Betts was confronted and fatally shot by responding police officers just 32 seconds after he began firing. A subsequent search of Betts' residence revealed evidence of his interest in violence and mass shootings, although no clear racial or political motive was established. The incident occurred shortly after another mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, and remains the deadliest mass shooting in Ohio since the 1975 Easter Sunday Massacre. The case is currently closed following the death of the perpetrator.

COMMUNITY INTELLIGENCE (THEORY-BASED)

Connor Betts is believed to have had a fascination with violence and mass shootings, as evidenced by the materials found in his home. Some speculate that his political beliefs, including his identification as a leftist and support for Antifa, may have influenced his actions. There is also discussion about whether his motives were tied to personal grievances, particularly given that he killed his own brother during the shooting.

FULL CASE FILE

The 2019 Dayton Shooting: A Tragic Night in Ohio

A Night of Terror

In the early hours of August 4, 2019, a deadly night unfolded in Dayton, Ohio, that would leave an indelible mark on the city and its residents. The perpetrator, 24-year-old Connor Stephen Betts, embarked on a violent rampage that claimed the lives of nine individuals, including his own brother, and left 17 others wounded near the entrance of the bustling Ned Peppers Bar in the Oregon District. This horrific event, which became the deadliest mass shooting in Ohio since the 1975 Easter Sunday Massacre, unfolded in a mere 32 seconds before police ended Betts' life.

The Scene of the Crime

The Oregon Historic District, a lively area in Dayton known for its nightlife, became the backdrop for this tragedy. Betts initiated his attack around 1:05 a.m., armed with an AR-15 style pistol, modified to resemble a rifle, and equipped with a 100-round drum magazine. His weapon of choice, ordered online from Texas and picked up at a local Ohio dealer, would soon wreak havoc on unsuspecting revelers.

Events Leading to the Shooting

Hours before the shooting, Betts was seen at Blind Bob's bar with his brother, Megan Betts, and another friend. The trio appeared to be enjoying a typical night out. However, at approximately 12:13 a.m., Connor Betts separated from them, heading towards Ned Peppers Bar. He lingered there for about 30 minutes, during which he texted his friend, suggesting they meet up again. Meanwhile, his friend, still at Blind Bob's with Betts' brother, replied that they were grabbing tacos and would leave in an hour.

After departing Ned Peppers Bar at 12:44 a.m., Betts returned to his car parked behind the Thai 9 restaurant. There, he prepared for his assault, donning body armor, a jacket featuring the band The Acacia Strain, and a backpack. He then made his way to an alley adjacent to Blind Bob's, where he paused to ready his weapon.

The Shooting Unfolds

As Betts emerged from the alley and approached East 5th Street, he encountered Saeed Saleh, whom he fatally shot. Tragically, the bullets also struck his brother and wounded his friend, who were both standing in line at a nearby taco cart. Ignoring his brother's cries for help, Betts continued his deadly path down East 5th Street, firing indiscriminately into the crowd.

His gunfire claimed the lives of Lois Oglesby and Derrick Fudge, among others, and injured several more. Betts then moved towards Ned Peppers Bar, where he unleashed a barrage of 23 shots, killing Logan Turner, Nicholas Cumer, Thomas McNichols, Monica Brickhouse, and Beatrice Warren-Curtis. As Brickhouse and Warren-Curtis attempted to evade the gunfire, they became Betts' final victims.

Police Response and Aftermath

In less than a minute after the first shots rang out, police officers arrived on the scene. Betts, attempting to enter Ned Peppers Bar, was shot dead by law enforcement just outside the door. In the chaos, Betts fired a total of 41 rounds, while police discharged 65 rounds, hitting him 30 times.

The rapid response from the officers undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. However, the aftermath was devastating. Miami Valley Hospital and Kettering Health Network received numerous casualties, with several victims in critical condition. Despite the swift medical response, nine lives were irreparably lost, and countless others were forever altered.

The Perpetrator's Profile

Connor Betts was identified as the shooter shortly after the attack. A resident of Bellbrook, Ohio, Betts had a minor criminal record but had long harbored dark fantasies about violence and mass shootings. Online, he expressed leftist views, a sympathy for Antifa, and support for political figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. However, an FBI investigation concluded in 2021 determined that Betts acted alone, driven by a decade-long obsession with mass murder, rather than any specific political or ideological motive.

Investigation and Motive

In the days following the shooting, investigators combed through evidence, including a search of Betts' home, which revealed his disturbing interest in violence. Despite this, authorities found no clear racial or political motive. Conflicting reports and assessments left investigators uncertain whether Betts deliberately targeted his brother. Additionally, some speculated about possible connections to incel groups, though no conclusive ties were established.

Community and National Reactions

The city of Dayton, along with the nation, reacted with an outpouring of grief and calls for action. Vigils were held, including one on East 5th Street where ten doves were released in memory of those lost. Prominent figures, from President Donald Trump to local leaders, offered condolences and called for measures to curb gun violence.

Internationally, the tragedy resonated, drawing attention from global leaders, including Pope Francis, who expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families. Meanwhile, comedian Dave Chappelle hosted a concert to honor the victims, gathering a community still reeling from the senseless violence.

Sources

For further details, visit the original Wikipedia article: 2019 Dayton shooting

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CASE TIMELINE
Aug 4, 2019

Dayton Mass Shooting

Connor Betts opens fire, killing nine and injuring 27 in less than 30 seconds.

Aug 4, 2019

Betts Shot by Police

Police respond within 20 seconds and fatally shoot Betts 32 seconds after he begins shooting.

Aug 4, 2019

Victims Identified

Nine victims, including Betts' brother, are confirmed dead following the shooting.

Aug 5, 2019

Investigation Launched

FBI and local police begin investigation into Betts' background and motives.

Aug 15, 2019

Coroner's Report

Montgomery County Coroner announces Betts had cocaine, alcohol, and Xanax in his system.

Nov 29, 2021

FBI Report Released

FBI concludes Betts acted alone, driven by a fascination with mass violence.

Aug 5, 2019

Community Vigil

A vigil is held for the victims, with community members gathering to honor those lost.

Aug 7, 2019

Trump Visits Dayton

President Trump visits Dayton to meet with victims and first responders.

Aug 25, 2019

Benefit Concert

Dave Chappelle hosts a concert to honor the victims of the shooting.

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