Dayton, Ohio – A 24-year-old Ohio man has been sentenced to decades behind bars after a late-night shooting spree left a sleeping 12-year-old girl dead, following a dispute that began on social media. Prosecutors say the attack involved military-style weapons and targeted multiple homes, forever altering a family and a community.
Shooting That Claimed a Young Life
Antawan Benson, 24, was sentenced Monday to 67 years in prison for his role in the killing of Isabella “Bella” Carlos, a seventh-grade student who was asleep in her bed when gunfire tore through her home. The sentence was announced by the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office.
Benson and his brother, Javen Conner, were convicted earlier this month in separate trials. Both were found guilty of multiple serious charges, including murder, discharging a firearm into a habitation, felonious assault, and aggravated menacing.
What Led Up to the Violence
According to prosecutors, the events began on Aug. 22, 2024, in Trotwood, a suburb of Dayton. Benson and Conner confronted a woman sitting in her car over a social media post involving their cousin. Another woman and several children were also present during that confrontation, authorities said.
Hours later, the conflict escalated dramatically.
Around 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, the brothers allegedly drove through a residential neighborhood and opened fire on three separate homes, using an AK-47 and an AR-15. One of those homes belonged to Isabella’s family.
A Child Shot While Sleeping
Inside the home, Isabella was asleep in her bedroom, preparing for her first day of school after summer break. Police responding to the scene found her gravely wounded. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
The brothers were indicted roughly two weeks later, following an investigation that tied them to the weapons and the shooting.
Judge’s Words at Sentencing
During sentencing, Judge Gerald Parker delivered emotional remarks, focusing on the suffering endured by the child in her final moments.
“It’s just gut-wrenching to try and comprehend the last few moments of Bella’s life,” the judge said.
“The testimony was she actually had moved from where she was sleeping. She was found half on the bed, half off the bed, which means she suffered, she struggled.”
Parker also addressed the defendants’ behavior after the shooting, noting that Benson and Conner allegedly posted photos of empty ammunition magazines on Facebook shortly afterward.
The judge described the posts as a “sense of false bravado,” adding, “All of y’all are weak. All of y’all soft in those pictures.”
Family Speaks on Irreparable Loss
At the sentencing hearing, Isabella’s aunt, Donnetta Dewberry, spoke about the devastating impact of the shooting on the family.
“My niece was laying there sleeping, getting ready for school the next day,” she said.
“We will never get to see Bella go to prom, her first love, her first date, anything.”
Dewberry acknowledged the gravity of the crime while expressing compassion beyond anger.
“You and your brother did something that will never be able to be taken back,” she told Benson.
“I feel bad for your family. I feel bad for you, and I ask God to have mercy on you and your life.”
Isabella’s obituary described her as a “beautiful and intelligent young lady”, remembered by loved ones for her bright spirit and promise.
What Happens Next
While Benson has now been sentenced, Javen Conner is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8. Prosecutors say both brothers will spend the majority of their lives in prison for the crime.
The case has renewed conversations in the Dayton area about gun violence, social media-driven conflicts, and the devastating consequences of impulsive retaliation.
Conclusion
What began as an online dispute ended in irreversible tragedy, leaving a child dead and two families forever changed. As the court proceedings continue, Isabella Carlos’ death stands as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can escalate—and how innocent lives often pay the highest price.
If you have thoughts on how communities can prevent similar tragedies or have been affected by gun violence, share your experiences in the comments below.
