Dayton, OH – A 24-year-old Ohio man will spend the majority of his life behind bars after a violent shooting spree linked to a social media dispute left a 12-year-old girl dead inside her home. Prosecutors say the crime shocked the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of gun violence fueled by online conflicts.
Lengthy Prison Sentence Handed Down in Child’s Killing
Antawan Benson, 24, was sentenced on Monday to 67 years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting of Isabella Carlos, a 7th-grade student, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. The sentence stems from a barrage of gunfire that struck multiple homes in Dayton-area neighborhoods, killing the child as she slept in her bed.
Benson was convicted earlier this month following a jury trial. His brother, Javen Conner, was found guilty in a separate trial on multiple charges tied to the same incident.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Both Brothers
Prosecutors confirmed that both Benson and Conner were convicted of serious felony offenses, including murder, discharging a firearm into a habitation, felonious assault, and aggravated menacing. The charges reflect the extreme danger posed to innocent residents when gunfire was unleashed into residential homes late at night.
Authorities say the violence was not random but stemmed from an earlier confrontation involving a social media post.
Events Leading Up to the Deadly Shooting
According to court records, the incident began on Aug. 22, 2024, in Trotwood, Ohio, when the brothers approached a woman who was sitting in her car. Prosecutors said the men confronted her over an online post involving their cousin. Another woman and children were also present in the vehicle at the time, escalating concerns about the defendants’ behavior.
Several hours later, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2024, investigators say the brothers carried out a coordinated shooting attack, firing dozens of rounds into three separate homes using an AK-47 and an AR-15.
Inside one of those homes was Isabella Carlos, who was asleep when bullets tore through the residence.
Child Pronounced Dead at the Scene
Police and emergency crews rushed to the home after reports of gunfire. Despite their efforts, Isabella was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. The news devastated her family and sent shockwaves throughout the Dayton community.
The brothers were formally indicted about two weeks later, as investigators gathered evidence linking them to the shootings.
Judge Delivers Emotional Remarks at Sentencing
During sentencing, Montgomery County Judge Gerald Parker addressed Benson directly, offering harrowing details about Isabella’s final moments. According to courtroom reports, the judge emphasized that the child likely did not die instantly after being shot.
Judge Parker described evidence showing Isabella had moved from where she had been sleeping, suggesting she experienced pain and fear before succumbing to her injuries.
“It’s gut-wrenching to try to comprehend the last few moments of Bella’s life,” Parker said, adding that the child “suffered” and “struggled,” even if only briefly.
Social Media Posts Condemned by the Court
The judge also criticized the defendants for allegedly posting a photo of empty ammunition magazines on Facebook following the shooting. Parker referred to the post as a display of “false bravado,” sharply condemning the behavior as reckless and cruel.
The remarks underscored the court’s view that the defendants showed a disturbing lack of remorse in the aftermath of the crime.
Family Speaks Out About Irreplaceable Loss
At the sentencing hearing, Isabella’s aunt, Donnetta Dewberry, spoke emotionally about the lasting impact of the loss on her family. She described Isabella as a child who was simply sleeping and preparing for school the next day when her life was taken.
Dewberry said the family will never experience milestones such as prom, first dates, or seeing Isabella grow into adulthood. Despite the pain, she expressed compassion for the defendants’ family and asked God to show mercy.
Co-Defendant Awaiting Sentencing
Javen Conner, Benson’s brother, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8. Prosecutors are expected to seek a lengthy prison term given the severity of the crimes and the fatal outcome.
Should social media-related disputes carry harsher penalties when they lead to real-world violence? What steps can communities take to prevent tragedies like this from happening again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
