MORE: Hamilton man, 39, ID’d as victim of fatal weekend shooting
Tone Harding stood from his chair and walked a few feet in front of a giant poster-sized card that contained several tributes to someone he knew well.
“Marlon was a stand-up guy and he was well-liked,” Harding said. “It is sad to know his life ended that way, but is good to see that people are honoring his memory.”
The Butler County Coroner’s Office determined that Reed died of a gunshot wound and his death has been ruled as a homicide.
Harding said that there seems to be an uptick in crime in the area, which is located two blocks from the police station and right across the street from a church.
The South Front Street Community Garden, operated by Hamilton Urban Garden Systems, sits only about 500 feet from where Reed took his last breath.
“He fell right there,” Harding said as he pointed to a space close to the makeshift memorial.
Hamilton police are still investigating what happened and why Reed was a target, but so far whoever pulled the trigger is still at-large.
Sgt. Brian Robinson said officers heard gunshots and found Reed lying on the steps of 503 S. Front St. with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
“Investigators feel there are more people who have information on this incident that have not come forward,” Robinson said.
Police are asking for people to contact them at 513-868-5811, ext. 2002 with any information they may have.
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