LIMA, Ohio – A juvenile was killed and another is in custody after a shooting Sunday in the 2000 block of North Metcalf Street.
Lima Police were dispatched to Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center after a vehicle arrived carrying an unresponsive male teen who had been shot in the abdomen. According to Lima Police Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte, Damian Johnson, 15, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. After hours of reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, detectives determined that the shooting occurred in the 2000 block of North Metcalf Street. Numerous people were interviewed, and investigators identified several suspects. Kavon Lasenby, 15, is being held at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of delinquency by murder.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Harrod or Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte at (419) 227-4444. Tips can also be left by calling CrimeStoppers at (419) 229-STOP (7867).
2:52 AM, Monday, July 28, 2025 Media Release from the Lima Police Department
On Sunday, July 27th, 2025, at approximately 5:50 p.m., a vehicle arrived at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, carrying a 15-year-old unresponsive male in the back passenger area with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
The 15-year-old male juvenile was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. Officers and detectives responded to the hospital and launched an investigation. After several hours of collecting surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses, it was discovered that the shooting occurred in the 2000 block of N. Metcalf Street. Several people were interviewed about the incident, and investigators were able to identify several suspects.
One male juvenile was detained at the Allen County Juvenile Detection Center on suspicion of murder. No names are being released at this time because the investigation is still in its early stages. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Harrod or Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte at the Lima Police Department, (419) 227-4444. Tips can also be left by calling CrimeStoppers at (419) 229-STOP (7867).
