‘Forever broken;’ Family of man killed in June shooting speaks as shooter is sentenced to prison

DAYTON — A man who shot and killed a man last summer, leading to a massive police response in Dayton is going to prison.

Jacob Ashba was sentenced on Tuesday to 12-13.5 years in prison for the shooting death of 45-year-old Randy Allen.

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While addressing the court alongside her mother and Randy’s wife Alicia, his daughter, Sabrina said Ashba’s “decision to take my dad’s life is the most traumatizing thing our family has been through.”

She called her father the “rock” of their family and “a great man, father, husband, and papaw.”

“It hurts physically to put a smile on my face and act like I’m OK when, honestly, I’m not,” Alicia said.

The sentencing came just weeks after Ashba entered a plea deal and pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises.

As News Center 7 previously reported, the charges were connected to the shooting death of Randy in the 400 block of Linden Avenue last June.

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Police on the scene previously told News Center 7 that a fight had broken out in the street and shots were fired during that.

Randy’s family said he went to the building that day to try and protect a friend or family member, but a confrontation between two groups led to Ashba firing shots, shooting and killing him as he sat in his car.

Police believe Ashba went into the massive building where the shooting happened, kicking off a massive search and standoff. He slipped away but police caught up to him much later that day, tracking him down at a hair salon in Centerville.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, Ashba’s lawyer called the entire mess a tragedy and Ashba himself made one very brief statement during sentencing.

“Yes, I just feel terrible for this situation,” he said. “I wish it had never happened.”

Randy’s family said they feel like they haven’t seen any remorse from Ashba despite the fact he pleaded guilty. While he’s heading behind bars, they feel like they’re the ones in a prison.

“Our family will forever be broken,” Alicia said. “My sense of security is gone.”

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