DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Tipp City residents are still trying to comprehend that something as shocking as the murder of a former teacher and current volleyball coach during an attempted burglary could happen in their small town.
Neighbors described their community as safe and cohesive and never imagined something like this could happen in their town.
Ashley Flynn, 37, was shot in her home early Monday morning. She was pronounced dead at the scene. She leaves behind her husband and two children, who are at home but uninjured.
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News of the homicide shocked many people.
“It’s like a town that’s not that big,” Dayton resident Chuck Fritsch said.
Many, like Kettering resident Connie Henderson, said a quick prayer.
“[My daughter] Saw it on the news,” Connie said. “So she texted me right away because she wanted to. There are many people praying around me. So she asked me to pray for the family and pray for everyone’s grief. So I was more than happy to text all my friends and ask them to pray. “
Tippe City police are working with state and federal agencies to continue processing evidence and following up on leads.
Results of an autopsy completed Tuesday are pending.
But on Tuesday, many in Tipp City said their attention was focused on the women and their families behind the headlines.
“I’ve been praying for him, the girls and the family,” Connie said. “Perhaps parents, grandparents, any relatives who find peace and comfort through prayer.”
Investigators say they are working to bring justice to Ashley and her loved ones.
In the meantime, this tight-knit community is leaning on each other and remembering a life too short.
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