Crime
Tragedy in Mt. Airy: Family Seeks Justice for 20-Year-Old Lanyah Dawson
Last updated on December 10th, 2024 at 11:11 pm
Cincinnati, OH – A tragic incident in Mt. Airy has left a family mourning the loss of 20-year-old Lanyah Dawson, who was found with a fatal gunshot wound early this morning. According to Cincinnati Police, officers discovered her lifeless body around 12:30 a.m. in the 4900 block of Trail Ridge Road. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lanyah, a young mother of one, is remembered by family and friends as a kind-hearted and loving individual whose life was cut short far too soon. Speaking to a local news channel, her mother, Nyresha Dawson, expressed the overwhelming pain and heartbreak of the family.
“At this point right now, we just need prayers,” Nyresha said. “We need answers. We need everything that we need in order to move forward and have peace in our heart because I just don’t think that she deserved nothing that has happened to her.”
As loved ones gather to celebrate Lanyah’s life and cherish her memory, they are also calling for justice. Cincinnati Police’s Homicide Unit has launched an investigation into her death and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We are seeking justice for Lanyah,” her family stated. “Her son deserves to know what happened to his mother, and we won’t rest until we find the answers.”
Authorities have encouraged community members to assist in the investigation by contacting the Cincinnati Police Department Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542. Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial in finding those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
As the community mourns this devastating loss, Lanyah’s family asks for continued support, prayers, and solidarity in their fight for justice.
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact Cincinnati Police or Crime Stoppers at the number above. Let’s work together to ensure justice is served.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |