LIMA, Ohio — A heartbreaking act of violence has rocked the Lima community following a fatal shooting on Sunday evening that claimed the life of 15-year-old Damian Johnson. The Lima Police Department has confirmed that another 15-year-old juvenile, Kavon Lasenby, has been taken into custody and is currently being held at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center on a preliminary charge of delinquency by murder.
A Fatal Encounter
The tragic events unfolded on Sunday, July 27, 2025, when officers were notified by staff at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center around 5:50 p.m. after a vehicle arrived at the emergency department with an unresponsive teenage male in the back passenger seat. The young boy, later identified as Damian Johnson, had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Despite immediate medical attention, Johnson was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Police Investigation and Timeline
Officers and detectives from the Lima Police Department immediately launched an intensive investigation. Detectives collected surveillance footage and conducted numerous interviews throughout the evening. After piecing together various accounts and video evidence, they determined the shooting had occurred in the 2000 block of North Metcalf Street, a residential neighborhood known for occasional criminal activity but rarely associated with youth-involved gun violence of this magnitude.
Over the course of several hours, multiple individuals were interviewed, and authorities were able to identify several suspects. By late Sunday night, Kavon Lasenby, also 15, was apprehended and charged in connection with the shooting. He is being held on suspicion of murder under juvenile court jurisdiction.
Though the department released Lasenby’s identity later for transparency, detectives have noted that the investigation remains in its early stages, and additional arrests or charges could follow pending further review of the evidence.
Community Reaction
The shooting has left the Lima community in mourning and shock. Damian Johnson, described by those who knew him as a “smart, kind-hearted kid with a love for music and basketball,” had his life cut short in a senseless act of youth violence.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said one neighbor who lives near the scene on North Metcalf Street. “We have to find ways to keep our kids out of situations that lead to this kind of tragedy.”
Community leaders, school officials, and youth advocates have expressed grief and concern over the increasing presence of firearms in the hands of teenagers, calling for urgent dialogue and action to address the root causes of gun violence among youth.
Call for Information
The Lima Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
“We know there are more people who saw or heard what happened,” said Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte. “This investigation is ongoing, and we need the community’s help to bring full justice to the victim and his family.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Harrod or Detective Sgt. Stechschulte at the Lima Police Department at (419) 227-4444. Anonymous tips can also be provided through CrimeStoppers by calling (419) 229-STOP (7867).
A Growing Concern
This incident is the latest in a series of youth-involved violent crimes that have raised alarms throughout Allen County and the state of Ohio. Local organizations are now renewing efforts to expand violence prevention programs, after-school mentorship, and mental health outreach in hopes of diverting at-risk teens from dangerous paths.
As the investigation moves forward, the Lima community finds itself grappling with the grim reality of another young life lost too soon—and the urgent need for healing, accountability, and systemic change.
In memory of Damian Johnson (2010–2025)
Your life was full of promise, and your memory will not be forgotten.
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