Larry Romine was 27 and from Dayton-view, Ohio when he was killed on July 15, 1975. His death was one of a series of racially motivated attacks in Dayton carried out by Neal Long, known as The Shotgun Slayer. Between 1972 and September 1975 Long attacked at least 21 African-American men, producing between four and seven deaths and 14 injuries.

Neal Long was arrested on September 19, 1975, and confessed, saying he was outraged by desegregation. He was convicted of aggravated murder and given multiple life terms. Investigators noted Long had a history of violent behavior and mental illness; he had been treated at the Dayton Mental Health Center and diagnosed with a psychopathic personality disorder. His crimes had a profound impact on the Dayton community.