Raymond Springer Sr:1972, Dayton, Ohio




Raymond Springer Sr. was born on October 9th, 1942 to Reverend and Mrs. David Springer. Raymond was called “Jabo” by his family and friends. 



  He served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He married Ernestine and they had two sons, Raymond Jr. and Leslie. 


He worked at Delco Moraine. Raymond was also a member of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. 


  On Tuesday, July 11th, 1972, Raymond was at Madden Park in Dayton. It is located southwest of downtown Dayton. 


   It’s hot and humid in July in Ohio. No one had air conditioning then. Staying up late and going out to the park to socialize is a good idea. At least the breeze will find you out there. If you work odd shifts at a factory, sometimes you find your friends out and about at unusual hours. If you grew up in a factory town; you know this. Not everyone works 9-5. But, Raymond wasn’t out at the park at midnight or three in the morning.  This shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. when it is still daylight in July. 



   Raymond was shot twice in the chest there at the park. He was found between two picnic tables. I did not find any reporting of the caliber of the gun. 

The paper initially reported that a 25 year old suspect was in custody. What happened? Was there an argument? The suspect was apparently released. 


  By October of 1972, another follow-up article, specifically about rising crime in Dayton, mentions Raymond’s case. It was reported then that police had no suspects. After that Raymond’s murder went cold. 


  Raymond’s murder has never been solved. Did anyone see anything that night? Has anyone heard anything in the decades since then?


Raymond had so much living left to do. His children had to grow up without him in their lives. 

Rest in Peace Raymond. 




  If you have a tip that can help solve this murder please contact investigators at this link: 


https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Law-Enforcement/Investigator/Cold-Case/Homicides/Springer



Shareable YouTube video: https://youtu.be/OQC8K2phuOU?si=glExvc99DwM2h5n0






  








  



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