Louis Christman, 48, died after a single gunshot struck him and another man during a late-night gun-cleaning session in Harrison Township, just northwest of Dayton, on May 22, 2025. Deputies were called about 12:06 a.m. to a home in the 2200 block of Martin Avenue and found two men with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where Christman was pronounced dead. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office later publicly identified him.

Investigators reported the bullet was a single projectile that injured both men and processed the scene under a search warrant. Sheriff’s office records summarize that the shooting occurred while the men were cleaning a handgun at a kitchen table; the other man, Joey Williams, told a sergeant he had removed the magazine and believed the chamber was empty, and the firearm discharged when he pulled the trigger. Christman was hit in the right hand and abdomen; Williams suffered a wound to his left palm. Friends and family described the two as friends with no problems between them, a detail authorities noted in describing the incident as accidental.

No additional suspects have been named. Prosecutors later filed a negligent homicide case tied to the death. If anyone knew Louis Christman or has information about what happened that night, please share tips with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.