A 21-year-old Ohio man will spend the majority of his life in prison after taking part in a deadly shooting that killed a 12-year-old girl who was asleep in her own bed — all triggered by a dispute over a social media post.
Javen Conner was sentenced this week to 64 years to life in prison for his role in the death of seventh grader Isabella “Bella” Carlos, according to the Dayton Daily News. His brother, Antawan Benson, 24, was convicted in a separate trial and received a 67-year prison sentence late last year, the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
Prosecutors said the chain of events began on August 22, 2024, when the brothers confronted a woman sitting in her car in Trotwood over a social media post involving their cousin. Another woman and several children were reportedly in the vehicle at the time.
Hours later, shortly after 12:30 a.m. on August 23, Conner and Benson allegedly carried out a drive-by style shooting, firing an AK-47 and an AR-15 into three homes in Dayton. One of the houses was not even the intended target, police said. Inside that home, Isabella was sleeping in her bedroom.
First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced the 12-year-old dead. Her father, Michael Nooks, later described the devastating moment he realized he could not save his daughter.
“I tried to resuscitate her, but I couldn’t,” Nooks said. “As a father, you’re supposed to protect your kids, but I couldn’t.”
Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. called the shooting both “senseless” and “cowardly,” noting that Isabella was murdered while doing nothing more than sleeping in what should have been the safest place — her home.
During sentencing, Judge Gerald Parker referenced testimony indicating Isabella did not die instantly, stating that evidence suggested she had struggled after being shot. He described her final moments as “gut-wrenching.”
The judge also condemned the brothers for posting photos of empty gun magazines on social media following the shooting, calling the images a display of “false bravado.”
Isabella’s obituary described her as a bright and intelligent young girl with her entire life ahead of her. Her aunt, Donnetta Dewberry, addressed the court during sentencing, speaking about the future that was stolen from her niece.
“We will never get to see Bella go to prom, experience her first love, or go on her first date,” Dewberry said. “What you and your brother did can never be taken back.”
Video: WHIO TV 7