DAYTON — The family of a man found murdered just 12 hours after someone stole his bike says they are still trying to process their loss.
56-year-old Aherene Dungey, who was identified by his family but not yet formally by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, was found dead in a yard on W. Grand Avenue Sunday night.
Dungey’s cousin Taylor Curtis told News Center 7 that his death “doesn’t feel real at all.”
>> Fairborn to swear in new police chief Friday
Taylor and her mother, Chari Curtis, said they want people to know there is a face and a family associated with Dungey.
“It’s his personality that came into the room and made you smile,” Chari said.
The women told News Center 7′s Mike Campbell that Dungey, whose nickname was Boogie, was a Dayton native. He graduated from high school here and then moved back home to W. Grand Avenue a couple of years ago. He lived just two blocks from where police found his body late Sunday night.
His death has left his family with multiple questions.
“How long was he laying out there? Was he suffering? Did he cry out? Was he asking for help?” Chari asked.
Taylor said the family is trying to come to grips with Dungey being killed. They told Campbell he considered everyone he met a friend.
>> Catalytic converter thefts remain a problem in the Miami Valley; How to not fall victim
“He was very comfortable walking, riding the bike late at night,” Chari said. “It didn’t matter.”
Dungey walked to the Central Operations Patrol Division on Salem Avenue and asked for help. He told dispatchers that he had been robbed of his bike at gunpoint. Officers took a report. 12 hours later, Dungey was found dead.
“Quite honestly, did the person that stole the bike see him report it to the police?” Taylor asked.
The Curtis’ don’t know who else had any problems with Dungey and they now feel like they will need help from those who live or traveled through W. Grand Avenue Sunday night to help police find out who committed this crime.
‘I think it’s going to be real difficult because people are afraid,” Taylor said.