Man gets decades in prison in fatal shooting, over-100 mph police chase
William Gerald "Gerry" Hefner, 59, of Dayton pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter charged via a bill of information in addition to indicted charges of aggravated possession of drugs, having weapons while under disability, and failure to comply with orders or signal of a police officer, according to a plea agreement filed May 29 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.
Hefner was charged in the June 1, 2023, death of 48-year-old Matthew Smith of Dayton.
Multiple people called 911 just before 10:50 a.m. to report a shooting in the 100 block of Centre Street.
One woman told dispatchers that her boyfriend and her friend were involved in the shooting and had both left, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center records. She said that one left in a truck and the other ran away.
A different caller told dispatchers that he was working in the area when a man ran up to a front door and said he was shot. The caller said that the man was shot in the top left side of his abdomen.
He also told dispatchers that the man said he knew where the shooter was but didn't provide more information.
"I didn't even hear a shot, so I'm not sure where it happened at," the caller said.
The gunshot victim, later identified as Smith, was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he died later the same day from his injuries.
Police said they identified Hefner as a suspect in the shooting and spotted his truck on camera the next day, noting that he had changed its appearance.
Just before 10 p.m. June 7, an officer recognized Hefner driving a truck and started to pursue him.
Dash camera footage of the chase showed the truck drive through yards and around traffic as well as running red lights and stop signs. Dayton Municipal Court records said the chase reached speeds of more than 100 mph.
The chase came to an end near Salem Avenue and Denlinger Road in Trotwood when it drove through some grass and ran up against a pole.
As part of the plea agreement, eight charges were dismissed, including murder and felonious assault.
He was sentenced to a total of 20 to 25 1/2 years in prison without possibility of early release.
He also must pay restitution for funeral and burial expenses and forfeit a Hi-Point 9mm Luger pistol.
Staff writers Kristen Spicker and Jen Balduf contributed to this story.
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