Brandon La'mar Woodruff was a beloved son, brother, and friend, known for his infectious smile and the joy he brought to those around him. Born in Dayton, Ohio, on February 28, 1985, Brandon was a 2003 graduate of Meadowdale High School. At 19 years old, he was a young man with a bright future, remembered by his family for his loving nature and the special bond he shared with his mother. He was a cherished member of his family, which included his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who felt his loss deeply.
On the morning of Thursday, September 2, 2004, the life of Brandon Woodruff was tragically cut short. Around 8:30 a.m., Dayton Police officers were dispatched to the 500 block of West Grand Avenue, near Brooklyn Avenue, in the Grafton Hill neighborhood. There, in an alley, they discovered Brandon's body. He had been shot multiple times.
The Montgomery County Coroner's Office later ruled his death a homicide, confirming the cause was multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The discovery left his family and the community in shock, struggling to understand why someone would commit such a violent act against the young man.
The Dayton Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into Brandon's death. Detectives began processing the scene in the alley off West Grand Avenue, a residential area not far from the Miami River. They canvassed the neighborhood for potential witnesses and sought any information that could lead to a suspect. In the initial stages of the investigation, authorities did not release information about a possible motive or any persons of interest. The case proved difficult, and despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests were made in the days and weeks that followed.
In the years since Brandon's murder, his case has grown cold, but it has never been closed. The Dayton Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continue to seek justice for him and his family. His case is listed among Ohio's unsolved homicides, a painful reminder of a life taken too soon and a family still waiting for answers. Investigators believe that someone in the community holds the key to solving the crime and urge them to come forward, no matter how insignificant the information may seem.
Brandon's loved ones gathered to celebrate his life and mourn his passing at a funeral service held at Omega Baptist Church on September 9, 2004. He was laid to rest at West Memory Gardens Cemetery. His family has kept his memory alive, remembering the vibrant young man who was taken from them. They continue to hope that one day, those responsible for his death will be held accountable.
The investigation into the murder of Brandon Woodruff remains open and active. As of September 2023, his killer has not been brought to justice. Authorities are asking for the public's help to solve this case. A reward is available through the Miami Valley Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information regarding the death of Brandon Woodruff is encouraged to contact the Dayton Police Department's cold case unit or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP.
