‘She was a peacemaker;’ Family of 12-year-old shot, killed in bed holds memorial service

DAYTON — The family of a 12-year-old girl who was shot and killed while sleeping in her bed gathered for her memorial service on Saturday.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Isabellas A’more-Carlos was killed after two men shot at the house next door in the 30 block of West Fairview Avenue just after midnight on Aug. 23.

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Family members said Isabellas was a ray of sunshine and they are holding onto their memories with her.

“Her beauty lit up every room she walked in and her smile. That is one thing I will always hold close to me,” Isbaellas’ stepmother, Renee Gregory, said.

Gregory said she is holding onto the good times she shared with her stepdaughter.

“Dancing with her she was so goofy she was a beautiful bright soul,” Gregory said.

Isabellas grew up in a blended family that loved her dearly. Her parents said prayer and the community has kept them strong.

“All the prayers and all the strength everyone has given us that’s how I’ve been getting through it,” Gregory said.

At 12 years old, Isabellas had a passion for others.

Her foster mother, Devonne Cooper, said if something was wrong, Isabellas would try to fix it.

“When people would bother her sister, Brooklyn, it bothered her,” Cooper said. “She was a peacemaker.”

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Isabellas father, Emmanuel Carlos, wants justice for his daughter.

“You took something from me that you should have never taken from me,” Carlos said.

Two brothers, Antawan Benson Jr., 23, and Javen Connor, 19, have been formally charged for Isabellas death.

They each face almost a dozen charges, including murder.

The men appeared in court on Sept. 12, and both pleaded not guilty.

They both remain booked into the Montgomery County Jail with bonds on $1 million.

Carlos said the family will make sure these men are fully tried.

“It’s going to be a fight but we are prepared to fight for her,” he said.

The family told News Center 7 that the first court hearing is scheduled to occur on Thursday and that they will be in attendance.

New Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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