James Dotson Jr., 33, of Warren, Ohio, was shot and killed on April 4, 2016, outside the J & L Lounge on Highland Avenue in Warren Township. Police arrived about 2 a.m. after a shooting call and found James in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to a local hospital and died shortly after arrival. The bar where he was shot had a history of violence, and the family said they did not usually go to that part of town, so why he was there remains unclear.

Investigators reported difficulties during the inquiry: many potential witnesses were uncooperative and the bar’s management said security cameras were not working that night. No suspects have been identified and the case grew cold. James’s family describe him as vibrant and determined to turn his life around; he had served time as a youth and was looking forward to becoming a father to a daughter his girlfriend was then pregnant with. If anyone has information that could help bring justice for James, please come forward.