Victim Alfred Hale, 18, a Senior at Dunbar High School, Tragically Shot and Killed in Dayton; Suspect Julius Maurice Williamson Jr., 23, Arrested in Connection with the Fatal Shooting
Dayton, Ohio (April 7, 2025) — In a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence, Alfred Hale, an 18-year-old senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio, was tragically shot and killed in the early hours of Thursday, April 4, 2025. Hale was discovered with gunshot wounds at 27 S. Jefferson Street around 7:23 a.m. Despite immediate emergency intervention from Dayton officers and medics, the young man succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have now announced an arrest in connection with the shooting, leading to the capture of 23-year-old Julius Maurice Williamson Jr. on the morning of Saturday, April 6, 2025.
The arrest came after an exhaustive investigation that incorporated state-of-the-art technological resources. While police have not yet formally released full charges, they indicated that Williamson is being held on suspicion of murder and a parole violation. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation as authorities continue to gather details surrounding the tragic incident.
The death of Alfred Hale, described as a valued member of the Dunbar High School community, has left the local area reeling from the loss of a young life cut short. Hale’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from family, friends, classmates, and city officials alike. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims condemned the violence, reiterating the city’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and violence, particularly in the neighborhoods surrounding the school.
Details of the Incident
The fatal shooting unfolded in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 4. According to Dayton Police, officers responded to a report of a shooting at 27 S. Jefferson Street at 7:23 a.m. Upon their arrival, they found Alfred Hale suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures at the scene and transported Hale to the hospital. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Hale succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Though police were initially tight-lipped about the specifics of the case, investigators were able to utilize a combination of traditional investigative methods and advanced technological tools to track down the suspect. This includes gathering footage from surveillance cameras, analyzing forensic evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The careful work of the police paid off when, two days after the shooting, they were able to locate and arrest Julius Maurice Williamson Jr., a 23-year-old man with a criminal record.
Suspect Arrested: Julius Maurice Williamson Jr.
Julius Maurice Williamson Jr., the 23-year-old man arrested in connection with Hale’s death, has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder, as well as for an alleged parole violation. According to online jail records, Williamson was arrested on the morning of April 6, 2025, in Dayton. However, police have not yet disclosed whether they have formally filed charges against him or released additional details regarding the circumstances of Hale’s death.
The authorities have yet to clarify whether Hale and Williamson had any prior interactions or if the incident was a result of personal conflict, gang violence, or another motive. Investigators continue to probe the connections between the two individuals and are calling on the community for any additional information that could assist in bringing further clarity to the case.
While the arrest of Williamson marks an important step forward in the investigation, police have urged the public to remain patient as they continue their work. They are also appealing to anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward, assuring that tips can remain confidential.
Community Response and Support for the Hale Family
In the wake of Alfred Hale’s tragic death, both local community leaders and educators have expressed their sorrow and concern. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims publicly addressed the loss, calling the shooting “a senseless act of violence” that underscores the critical need for ongoing efforts to curb violence in the city.
“The death of Alfred Hale is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods and schools,” Mayor Mims said. “Incidents like this are exactly why we are involving the community in reducing violence and building a peaceful city. We will continue to work with our partners and community organizations to make Dayton safer for all.”
Dayton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence also issued a statement following the tragic event. In it, he expressed deep sympathy for the Hale family, the students, and the faculty at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where Hale was well known and liked. Dr. Lawrence described the 18-year-old as a “valued member” of the school community, adding that his passing would leave a profound hole within the school district.
“Alfred Hale was a valued member of both the Dunbar family and the broader Dayton Public Schools community. He will be greatly missed by students, staff, and all who knew him,” said Dr. Lawrence. “Our thoughts are with his family, and we are committed to supporting the school community during this difficult time.”
To provide emotional support to students and staff affected by the tragedy, Dayton Public Schools quickly deployed a crisis support team to Dunbar High School. The team is available to help students cope with grief and trauma. In addition, the school district has made the Montgomery County 24/7 Crisis Support Line (833-580-2255) available to anyone in need of assistance outside of school hours.
As part of his ongoing efforts to address the emotional and psychological toll of the incident, Dr. Lawrence also announced plans to personally visit the Hale family. He assured the community that Dayton Public Schools would continue to work with local organizations to address the root causes of youth violence and provide preventative programs in the future.
Impact on Dunbar High School Community
Alfred Hale’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School community. Students, faculty, and alumni of the school have all expressed their sorrow over the loss of a promising young individual. Hale’s friends described him as a friendly, compassionate, and hardworking student who had a bright future ahead of him. He was well-liked by both peers and teachers alike, and his death has left the school struggling to process the loss.
Many students are coping with the emotional toll of the incident, especially those who were close to Hale or knew him personally. The school’s crisis support team has been working tirelessly to provide counseling and mental health resources to students. The district is also exploring additional long-term support options to ensure students have access to the resources they need as they deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.
In the aftermath of Hale’s death, numerous tributes and memorials have been shared across social media by those who knew him. Friends and classmates have taken to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share heartfelt messages, photos, and videos celebrating his life. These tributes are a testament to Hale’s impact on his peers and the deep sense of loss that the Dunbar High School community is experiencing.
A Call for Action: Addressing Violence in Dayton
The tragic loss of Alfred Hale has brought increased attention to the issue of youth violence and gun violence in Dayton. Local officials, including Mayor Mims and Dr. Lawrence, have reiterated their commitment to reducing violence and supporting efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of crime in the community.
While the city has made strides in implementing community-driven initiatives to combat violence, Mayor Mims emphasized that more work needs to be done to ensure that Dayton becomes a safer place for everyone. “We cannot afford to allow incidents like this to continue. It is time for us to come together as a community to address the systemic issues that contribute to violence, particularly youth violence,” he said.
To this end, several local organizations, faith-based groups, and city leaders are calling for an increased focus on providing youth programs, job opportunities, and mentorship to help steer young people away from violence.
The Ongoing Investigation
At present, the investigation into the shooting remains active and ongoing. Dayton police have indicated that they will continue to pursue leads and examine all possible evidence to ensure that justice is served for Alfred Hale and his family. The arrest of Julius Maurice Williamson Jr. marks an important milestone, but there is still much work to be done.
The Dayton Police Department has asked anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and police are committed to ensuring that the public can assist in the investigation without fear of retaliation.
Authorities are also exploring any potential connections between the suspect and the victim, though the exact motive behind the shooting has yet to be determined. The police have emphasized that they will provide updates as the investigation progresses, urging the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the effort for justice.
As the community of Dayton continues to grieve the loss of Alfred Hale, one thing is certain: his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the fight for a safer, more peaceful city continues.
