Warrant issued for man accused of fatally shooting friend in the head in Dayton

The Dayton Police Department is seeking the public's help to find James Christopher Hughes, wanted in a July 29 deadly shooting.

The Dayton Police Department is seeking the public's help to find James Christopher Hughes, wanted in a July 29 deadly shooting.

Court documents reveal that a Dayton man wanted on murder an other charges is accused of fatally shooting a man who was his good friend.

James Christopher Hughes, 33, and Melchizedec D. Israel-Miller, 28, were outside around 4:10 a.m. July 29 near a large gathering in the parking lot in the DeSoto Bass apartment complex in the 1000 block of Carver Place, according to an affidavit.

“During this time, Mr. Hughes became angry with another patron of the gathering, who was not Mr. Israel-Miller, pulled out a firearm and shot Mr. Israel-Miller in the head,” an affidavit read.

Israel-Miller fell to the ground and Hughes then reportedly took unknown items out of Israel-Miller’s pocket.

Hughes got into a vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver and ordered her to drive him, according to court records.

Israel-Miller was pronounced dead at the scene.

“During (the investigation), it was learned Mr. Israel-Miller and Mr. Hughes had been good friends and there was no argument that had occurred between them when this incident took place,” the affidavit read.

Charges were filed Wednesday against Hughes in Dayton Municipal Court, who is now facing three counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault and one count each of aggravated robbery and having weapons while under disability.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hughes is urged to call detective Tyler Hofacker at 937-333-1107 or, to remain anonymous, contact Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867) or miamivalleycrimestoppers.com.

James Christopher Hughes | Photo courtesy of Dayton Police Department

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