LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – A juvenile is dead and another is in custody following a shooting Sunday in the 2000 block of North Metcalf Street.
Lima Police were called to Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center after a vehicle arrived with an unresponsive male teen who had been shot in the abdomen. According to Lima Police Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte, 15-year-old Damian Johnson was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. After several hours of reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses, detectives determined the shooting took place in the 2000 block of North Metcalf Street. Multiple individuals were interviewed, and investigators identified several suspects. 15-year-old Kavon Lasenby is being held at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center on a charge of delinquency by murder.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Harrod or Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte at (419) 227-4444. Tips can also be given by contacting 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 about 5:50 p.m. , a vehicle arrived at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center, with a 15 year-old unresponsive male in the back passenger area, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The 15 year-old male juvenile was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Officers and Detectives responded to the hospital, and began the investigation. After several hours of cultivating surveillance video and speaking to witnesses, it was discovered the shooting occurred in the 2000 block of N. Metcalf Street. Several individuals were interviewed about the incident and investigators have identified several suspects involved in the incident. One male juvenile was held at the Allen County Juvenile Detection Center for suspicion of murder. No names are being released at this time, as the incident is still in the early stages of the investigation. If anyone has 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 given by contacting CrimeStoppers, at (419) 229-STOP (7867).
