On October 9, 2020, 19-year-old Jermaine Lewis of Dayton, Ohio, was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn on Miller Lane in Butler Township. Witnesses reported finding Lewis lying in the lot with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.

Police say a red Chevrolet Impala was involved and that witnesses placed a man described as being in the Impala’s backseat as the shooter. The investigation led to the arrest of 20-year-old Da’Jahnn Phillip Alexander of Dayton, who was taken into custody in Owensboro, Kentucky, and returned to Montgomery County for arraignment. Charges announced by prosecutors included murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence.

The community reacted to the killing with concern about rising gun violence, and investigators asked anyone with information to contact Butler Township Police or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers. If anyone knew Jermaine, saw activity around the Red Roof Inn that night, or has information that could help, please come forward.