The Miami Valley Community Action Partnership has launched a fundraiser for the children of Lois Oglesby, one of nine victims of a weekend shooting spree in a popular entertainment district.
Oglesby, 27, leaves behind Reigh, 8 months, and Hannah, 7. Money raised will be used for funeral expenses in the near future and for the children’s needs going forward. The link is below.
Oglesby’s mother, LaSandra James, is MVCAP’s director of micro enterprise and computer training.
“LaSandra is completely overwhelmed by this tragedy,” said Cherish L. Cronmiller, the organization’s president and CEO. “She wants everyone to know how much (Oglesby) loved her children, how much she wanted to provide for her children.”
James started bringing Lola, as friends called her daughter, into the office when she was about 4. More recently, Oglesby would bring Hannah into visit her grandmother.
“When she’d come in and bring Hannah in she always had her looking so cute,” Cronmiller said.
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Gunman Connor Betts, 24, opened fire about 1 a.m. Sunday. His sister, Megan Betts, was among the fatally wounded. Police shot and killed Connor Betts less than a minute after the rampage began.
Demoy Howell, who was in high school and Junior ROTC with Connor Betts and later worked with him at a fast-food restaurant, recalled him as a social outcast who made people feel threatened and uncomfortable.
Investigators have collected 48 45-caliber casings, 16 .233 casings and a shotgun shell casing at the shooting site. Some victims had to scale a fence to escape when the shots started ringing out, losing their shoes in the process.
On Sunday night, abandoned shoes remained scattered in the parking lots behind the bar areas.
Oglesby was out with friends on Saturday night, enjoying her first outing since Reigh was born. The baby’s two-month checkup with the pediatrician was Monday.
“LaSandra said it’ll be impossible to fill her daughter’s shoes,” Cronmiller said. “She’s going to do everything she can to make sure those girls have the life they deserve.”
The partnership held a gathering for employees on Monday afternoon, with spiritual leaders joining them to provide counsel.
“LaSandra called in and thanked everyone for their love and support and said just be thankful and love on each other,” Cronmiller said.
Here’s the fundraiser link:
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