On May 14, 1989, Toni Watkins was found brutally beaten and disoriented in the Old Orchard and Kenwood area of Dayton, Ohio, then dropped off at Grandview Hospital. She spent twelve days in a medically induced coma and died from her injuries. The assault left her unrecognizable to family and included sexual violence; witnesses said she was able to speak but never revealed her identity or what had happened.

Detectives do not believe robbery was the motive and have suggested the attack may have been connected to a personal relationship. The Dayton Cold Case unit has resubmitted DNA evidence as technology has advanced and continues to investigate. Toni was well known locally from her high school years at Roth High School; her mother, Serepta Anderson, was a longtime educator and administrator in Dayton. Her daughter Alicia Watkins continues to seek answers and justice.

If anyone in Dayton has information about that night or knew Toni’s contacts and relationships at the time, please come forward.