Billy Joe Sickler, 29, of Hamilton, Ohio, died of a gunshot wound outside his home on East Avenue on December 16, 2015. He was found early that morning and later pronounced dead at Fort Hamilton Hospital; the Butler County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide. The shooting occurred about 2:30 a.m. and police say three people were seen running from the scene. Family members reported hearing yelling; the suspects were believed to have tried to rob Sickler but left without taking anything.

Sickler, born December 9, 1986, in Ridgecrest, California, had a history of substance abuse and prior arrests for drug-related offenses, domestic violence and operating a vehicle under the influence. In the days before his death he faced a petty theft charge. The community counted Sickler among five homicide victims in Hamilton in 2015 and his family described him as someone who brought joy to those around him.

If anyone knew Billy Joe Sickler or has information about the shooting on East Avenue the police would welcome contact.