Twenty-eight shell casings from large caliber guns were recovered from the shooting, according to Middletown Detective Steve Winters.
Detectives traveled to Chicago and recovered a vehicle that they said is linked to those involved in the shooting.
Drugs and money were the motive, Winters said.
“It’s drugs, ” he said. “I think that you have people attempting to excel in the drug game and in so doing you are taking different people out. I think there was a fight over drugs and money with two separate groups.”
In April, Shields’ boyfriend, Steve Waldon, 34, was sentenced prison for seven years for felony drug abuse and drug trafficking. Three others were arrested with him and also received prison sentences.
Winters said Waldon has been interviewed and asked for any information about the fatal shooting. He says he has none.
“I still have a photo on my phone where his stomach was wide open, got shot in the arm and everything else, ” Winters said. “He said, ‘I don’t know, I don’t know.’”
In the nine months since the New Year’s Day shooting, other shootings have happened in the city that police believe are linked to the same drug activity.
In May, Malcolm Franklin, 27, allegedly shot and killed Julian Marquis Johnson, 23, of Middletown, outside D&J’s Nite Spot on Elliott Drive. Police believe that shooting also involved two groups of drug dealers. Franklin’s case is still pending in Butler County Common Pleas Court.
MORE: Middletown police chief seeks justice for shooting victim
KNOW SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING
Anyone with information regarding the Teresa Shields homicide can:
- Call the anonymous tip line at 513-425-7749
- Send police a private message via Facebook
- Call Detective Steve Winters or Detective Sam Allen at 513-425-7737
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