Dayton police ask for help in fatal drive-by shooting of grandmother

Dayton police have no suspects and few solid leads about who shot and killed a 62-year-old grandmother during a drive-by shooting Saturday evening on Euclid Avenue.

That’s why they’re asking for the public’s help for what they termed a “heinous” and “sad” crime.

Dayton police Lt. Gregg Gaby on Tuesday wouldn’t answer specific questions about how many shots were fired and what caliber of bullet killed Sherrell Wheatley as she was walking home after feeding a neighbor’s dogs.

“We really have nothing other than at this point the suspect vehicle is possibly a silver-colored (Ford) Taurus or possible (Chevrolet) Impala-type vehicle. We’re not sure of the exact make and model of the vehicle,” said Gaby, commander of the violent crimes bureau.

EARLIER: Innocent bystander grandmother killed: ‘Hit by a bullet that has no eyes’

“What we are asking is anyone in the neighborhood that saw any of this or has any information on this, please contact the Dayton Police Department.”

Gaby said tipsters can remain anonymous by calling (937) 222-STOP (7867) or Melissa Schloss, the case detective, at (937) 333-1078.

Gaby said officers are asking for any details about the multiple people inside the silver sedan suspect vehicle or why someone apparently would fire at 866 N. Euclid Ave.

RELATED: Neighbor aids woman wounded in stabbing

“At this point, we do not think that they intentionally targeted her, but we don’t know that,” said Gaby, who added that nothing in the investigation has revealed why that residence was targeted.

Gaby said witnesses heard gunshots and saw the vehicle, but nothing has tied the suspect vehicle to other crimes. Gaby also said a September 2017 shooting at the same residence does not yet tie in.

“This is the type of crime that hopefully the community will be incensed by and come forward and help out with and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got information on it.’

MORE: Read other stories from Mark Gokavi

“And no matter how little the information is, it may be important. It may lead to something else that leads us to solve this crime for the family.”

Gaby urged anyone involved to come clean.

“Our detectives are not going to let up on a homicide, ever,” he said. “So, they’re going to be on this case and they’re going to be working diligently.

“The best thing you can do if you were involved in this in any capacity whatsoever is to go ahead and turn yourself in to the Dayton Police Department.”

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE MOBILE APPS

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Mark Gokavi on Twitter or Facebook

About the Author