Teen suspect in hotel worker’s late-night killing awaits court date

The 17-year-old accused of murder for the shooting death of a Miami Twp. hotel worker will stay in custody before his next court date next week.

The male teen appeared in juvenile court Saturday in connection with the late Thursday night killing of Miami Twp. resident Jayren Graham, 19, court officials said.

The suspect had a plea of denial entered and was appointed an attorney, court officials said. He’s due back in court Sept. 25 and will remain in juvenile detention until then, officials said.

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The shooting occurred just after 11 p.m. in the parking lot of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel near the Dayton Mall, according to Miami Twp. police.

Tips from the public, police said, led to the teen’s arrest in the shooting death, the second at a Dayton area hotel involving one of its workers this year.

Graham’s death follows the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Andrew Day, who was gunned down while working as the desk clerk at the Hampton Inn off Col. Glenn Highway in Fairborn in March. Three defendants have been charged in that case.

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The suspect in Graham’s killing was arrested Friday afternoon at an apartment complex in New Lebanon, Miami Twp. police Capt. John Magill said.

Magill said police believe Graham went to meet someone in the parking lot when the shooting occurred. That “would tell us that that’s not random,” he has said.

Magill said Graham had no criminal record with Miami Twp. and police do not know how many shots were fired.

Graham was identified by a 9-1-1 caller as dishwasher for the hotel.

“I was outside getting ready to leave and I heard a gunshot,” the 9-1-1 caller said. “Our dishwasher was shot.”

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Police and medics were called around 11:10 p.m. to the hotel, 300 Prestige Place, on a report of a shooting. Graham was pronounced dead at the scene.

This news organization has filed a public records request with Miami Twp. for the police incident and arrest reports.

Regal Hospitality Inc. issued a statement following the shooting at its DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Dayton - Miamisburg.

“We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time. He was a valued member of our team, loved and respected by his co-workers. His loss is being deeply felt by us all,” said Rick Dinan, director of operations.

-MORE COVERAGE OF SHOOTINGS NEAR MALL:

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