22-Year-Old Amadou Diallo Identified as Victim in Fatal Shooting at Speedway Gas Station Near University of Dayton
DAYTON, Ohio — Authorities have identified the victim in a deadly shooting that took place earlier this week at a Speedway gas station near the University of Dayton. According to Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger, the victim has been identified as 22-year-old Amadou Diallo.
Diallo, a young man with promising aspirations, died at Miami Valley Hospital after suffering gunshot wounds in the early morning hours of Monday. Emergency crews had rushed to the scene after 911 calls flooded in, reporting gunfire at the Speedway station located near the intersection of Brown Street and Stewart Street, just blocks from the University campus.
When Dayton police officers arrived on the scene, they found Diallo suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Life-saving efforts were immediately initiated before he was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly among University of Dayton students and faculty, many of whom frequent the gas station and surrounding area. The violence occurred during a time when campus is still populated with summer session students, raising concerns about safety in a neighborhood usually considered safe and busy with foot traffic.
While investigators have not publicly identified any suspects or detailed a motive behind the shooting, they are continuing to review surveillance footage from the gas station and nearby businesses. Police have not indicated whether the incident was targeted or random, and no arrests have been made as of Saturday.
Amadou Diallo, described by friends and neighbors as quiet, respectful, and driven, was reportedly working two jobs and saving money to pursue higher education. Born to immigrant parents, he had dreams of studying computer science and was known for his deep commitment to his family and community.
“He wasn’t involved in anything bad,” said longtime friend Malik Jackson. “Amadou worked hard and stayed out of trouble. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He didn’t deserve this.”
Diallo’s death has reignited conversations about gun violence in Dayton, particularly its impact on young Black men and underserved neighborhoods. Community activists and leaders have called for increased resources for violence prevention, youth support programs, and investment in mental health and outreach efforts.
“This is another tragic reminder that we are losing too many of our young people to gun violence,” said Reverend Aaron Collier, who leads a local community initiative against gun violence. “We must act — not just with words, but with comprehensive efforts that address the root causes.”
A growing memorial has formed outside the Speedway gas station, where friends and community members have left flowers, candles, and messages in tribute to Diallo’s life. Many have expressed anger, confusion, and sadness over the killing, which some say reflects a broader crisis that must be addressed with urgency.
Diallo’s family, who are currently preparing funeral arrangements, released a short statement through a family spokesperson: “Amadou was a loving son, brother, and friend. He had dreams that were taken from him too soon. We are heartbroken and ask for privacy during this time of deep mourning.”
The University of Dayton, while confirming that Diallo was not enrolled as a student, issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and offering support to students affected by the nearby tragedy.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Dayton Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at (937) 222-STOP.
As Dayton mourns the loss of yet another young life to senseless violence, the memory of Amadou Diallo lingers — a bright future extinguished, and a community left searching for answers.
