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Investigation into Trotwood woman’s death is ongoing, police chief says

The investigation into the death of Myshayla Cotton is ongoing more than four weeks after the 24-year-old Trotwood resident was hit by gunfire in the home she shared with a man.

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"Everything is still up in the air," Trotwood Police Chief Erik Wilson told this news organization Thursday afternoon. "We have not gotten the official word [from the Montgomery County Coroner's Office] yet."

Cotton was fatally wounded in the residence at 1 Whispering Drive on Sept. 10.

Chief Wilson said the detective working the case has interviewed the man who was in the home with Cotton when she was shot. Because the investigation is open -- and because the detective plans to interview several other people Cotton's family members brought to police -- Wilson was reluctant to say much more.

He said he understands the Cotton's family is upset, but he wants them to know his police department wants to do justice by the family.

"We believe it is an accidental shooting," Wilson said. "The physical evidence is pointing us in one direction.... I'm waiting to hear what the coroner's report leads to."

Chief Wilson said his department is "taking every chance to look into it. We don't want to shortchange any investigation."

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Friday afternoon, Chris Williams, coroner's office director of operations, said, "the case isn't done."

Toxicology and other testing have not been completed, he said, and it could be seven weeks until a final determination is made.

Mandoria Cotton, the victim's sister, said the family is confused and upset about the investigation. She said she is convinced her sister was the victim of a murder and that police have not been giving the family answers.

"We want justice. We want answers. We want peace," Mandoria Cotton said during a vigil outside the Whispering Drive address on Wednesday night.

She claims her sister was shot in the neck by her ex-boyfriend, who said the woman shot herself.

"We want justice for Shay," Mandoria Cotton said. "We will not rest until we get justice for Shay."

We will update this report as information develops. Stay with whio.com for breaking news.

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