Stephan Michael Cotter, 23, died after being shot during a drug deal in Middletown, Ohio. On December 8, 2017, Cotter had arranged to sell marijuana and Xanax to a 16-year-old, Paul Craft. When Craft got into Cotter’s car, he produced a gun and attempted to rob him. A physical struggle followed and Craft shot Cotter in the stomach. Cotter was taken to Miami Valley Hospital and died the next day.

Police located Craft hiding at a Charles Street residence and charged him with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence for allegedly disposing of the gun. A 19-year-old, Keegan Payne, who was present during the incident, was also charged with murder and aggravated robbery; Payne’s case was bound over to a Butler County grand jury.

Cotter’s family and friends continue to grieve his loss. Does anyone have information about the events that night or knew Cotter, Craft, or Payne and can help clarify what happened?