Latest news with #MontgomeryCountyChildrenServices
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man pleads guilty in connection to 15-year-old girl's murder in Harrison Twp.
May 9—A man pleaded guilty in connection to the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old in Harrison Twp. On Thursday Baretta Byrdsong, 27, pleaded guilty to endangering children and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. An involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide charge were dismissed. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 27. On Nov. 17, 2023, Byrdsong reportedly drove 15-year-old Heaven Washington to an ATM to get money for a field trip later that day. Montgomery County Children Services had temporary custody of Washington and had placed her in a group home where Byrdsong was working at, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. On the drive back, a vehicle pulled up beside them near Turner Road and Philadelphia Avenue and a gunman fired multiple times. Montgomery County sheriff's deputies responded, but when they arrived they learned a private vehicle had taken Washington to the hospital. She died from multiple gunshot wounds at Miami Valley Hospital. Investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a Toyota RAV-4 and found it near the Englewood Meijer. The Toyota fled while detectives were surveilling it in an unmarked vehicle, leading to a chase. The pursuit went through multiple communities, including New Lebanon and Farmersville. The Toyota's average speed was 109.8 mph while on the highway, according to Vandalia Municipal Court records. Deputies found the SUV abandoned in a field on Havermale Road. Video surveillance identified 31-year-old Tommy Moreland as a suspect. Moreland and Byrdsong had an ongoing feud, according to the prosecutor's office. "This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of how an ongoing street grudge can escalate to a fatal encounter, tragically taking the life of an innocent little girl on her way to school for a field trip," said Sheriff Rob Streck. In March, Moreland was found guilty of three counts of felonious assault, two counts of murder and tampering with evidence and one count each of discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer. He was sentenced to 37 to 46 1/2 years in prison. Two others, Darrell Bostic and Denisha Taylor, have charges pending in connection to Washington's death. Bostic, who is accused of being in the SUV with Moreland when he shot Washington, has a final pretrial hearing on Aug. 20 and is scheduled to go to trial on Aug. 25. He's facing murder, felonious assault, discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and having weapons while under disability charges. Taylor was indicted on tampering with evidence and obstructing justice charges. Her next hearing is scheduled for May 28. Washington's estate is suing Byrdsong and the group home, Reflections Group Home LLC, claiming they were negligent in the teen's death. The case was previously scheduled to go to trial on May 14, but the defense requested the trial be continued, according to court documents.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Why are people in Ohio wearing blue on Wednesday?
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — If you notice a lot of people wearing blue this week, it's likely for a good cause. On Wednesday, April 9, Ohioans are asked to wear blue to show recognition of the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. 'Every month, Montgomery County Children Services receives more than 500 calls aboutsuspected child abuse or neglect,' said Montgomery County. 'The first step in helping children is to recognize the signs of maltreatment.' If you wear blue on the designated day and want to show your recognition, you can post your photo to social media with #OhioWearsBlue2025. Individuals who suspect possible child abuse or neglect in Montgomery County are encouraged to call 937-224-5437. You should dial 911 if the child is in immediate danger. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Local community rallies to prevent child abuse
[Is this needed? Also double check my section on the DD, please.] This story mentions child abuse, which some readers may find distressing. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – During a media event Wednesday to bring awareness to National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Montgomery County singled out one woman for her efforts in saving a child who had been hit and dragged by an alleged drunk driver. April Littleton was honored as the 2025 Champion of Children Award recipient for her actions on July 22, 2024. A 9-year-old girl out with her family on Clover Street was pinned under the vehicle of an alleged drunk driver and dragged along Wayne Street for over half a mile before being dislodged. Driving on Keowee Street, Littleton saw the incident and called 911. She then made a U-turn and followed the vehicle on Wayne Avenue. 'She didn't just leave,' said Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. in presenting the award. 'She didn't just call 911, but she made a U-turn. Good call, making that U-turn.' When the girl became dislodged from his truck, she pulled over and helped her to safety. She stayed with her on the side of the road, comforting her as they waited for first responders to take her to Dayton Children's Hospital. 'It was a horrific scene, it's just unimaginable,' said Heck during Wednesday's event. 'And when you hear the injuries and what happened to this little girl, it's just unbelievable of what she endured. But April stayed with her until she was taken by ambulance to the hospital.' Heck later expanded his gratitude in a press release. 'I want to express my heartfelt thanks for April's caring kindness to a grievously injured 9-year-old child at the worst imaginable time,' he wrote. 'April is definitely a Champion of Children!' During Wednesday's event, Heck emphasized that anyone can help to reduce child abuse, injuries and deaths. 'It's quite simple: Speak up,' said Heck. 'See something? Say something, and then do something.' If you suspect a child is being abused, call local police or Montgomery County Children Services. One call can make all the all the difference. In 2024, the county's Child Advocacy Center — the CARE House — saw 1,117 children, including 649 for sexual assault investigation and 377 for physical assault. Heck announced a donation to the Kinship Navigator Program, the Women's Centers of Ohio, Catholic Social Services and Moms and Babies First. This donation is of car/booster seats, nightlights, snack cups, infant feeding spoons, teething rings and diapers. The car seats were donated by the Even-Flo Corporation, and Matthew 25 Ministries donated two pallets of diaper. Larry Taylor, from Beau Townsend Ford in Vandalia, made a large monetary donation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
