Following a tragic incident in Dayton, the judicial process for two teenagers involved in a fatal shooting has been progressing significantly. Initially, two 15-year-olds faced charges in juvenile court related to the death of a Lyft driver, Cooper, who was found dead from a gunshot wound in a car crash reported via the vehicle’s OnStar system. The police linked this homicide to a robbery involving another Lyft driver earlier that morning, where personal belongings and a vehicle were stolen. A SWAT standoff ensued, leading to the arrest of four juveniles.
After thorough investigation, the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office pursued adult charges for the two teens. In December 2022, one suspect, Da’Trayvon Mitchell, was indicted on multiple charges, including murder and aggravated robbery, in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. The second teen, Tylan Amir Peaks, faced similar indictments by September 2023. Both individuals, now aged 17, later pled guilty to their charges following indictments by a grand jury.
In court proceedings, Mitchell was sentenced to 25 years to life, while Peaks received a 27-year to life sentence for a series of felonies, including murder and grand theft involving multiple vehicles. Meanwhile, Cooper’s family filed a lawsuit against Lyft, alleging negligence and insufficient safety protocols. Although Lyft sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing no legal obligation to foresee third-party criminal acts, the court initially allowed the lawsuit to proceed. However, in March 2025, Judge Mary Wiseman ultimately dismissed the lawsuit, prompting the family to file an appeal in April 2025.
Your Takeaway
This harrowing case has highlighted the enduring complexities of juvenile crime and the legal consequences of such grave actions. The transfer of the teenage suspects to adult court underscores the severity with which the judicial system views crimes involving loss of life, especially when compounded by other felonies. For communities, this serves as a stark reminder of the impact of juvenile crime and the importance of preventive measures and legal frameworks that address youth violence effectively.
The lawsuit against Lyft, although dismissed, brings to the forefront the ongoing debate over the safety and liability of ride-sharing platforms. This case could influence future policies regarding driver protection and passenger vetting, potentially leading to more stringent safety measures across the industry. For drivers and consumers alike, there is an implicit call for enhanced awareness and advocacy for safe working conditions in the gig economy, emphasizing both technological and human-centered safety solutions.