Slain Dayton Police Detective Honored at UD Arena

Grace James
News Editor

Cover photo of the city of Dayton courtesy of Pixabay

Members of the Dayton community gathered Monday for the visitation of Detective Jorge Del Rio, who was killed on duty last week.

The visitation was held at UD Arena, where thousands braved the treacherous winter weather to pay their respects. Among those in attendance were Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Rob Portman and Attorney General Dave Yost.

The funeral for Del Rio will be held at UD Arena Tuesday at noon. A procession of law enforcement vehicles will follow, beginning at the arena and ending at Tobias Funeral Home for a private service. Several school districts will dismiss students early in light of the funeral procession, including Kettering and Oakwood schools.

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Del Rio was shot twice in the face during a search of a suspected drug house on Nov. 4. After his injuries were deemed “not survivable,” he passed away on Thursday. He was 55 years old.

Even in death, Detective Del Rio will continue to help others by donating his organs. Officers gathered at Grandview Medical Center for an “honor walk” to pay tribute to Del Rio’s decision to become a donor.

His death was announced during a press conference given by Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl.

“His work had impact regionally, nationally, and internationally,” Biehl said. “He was good at what he did. He loved what he did.”

39-year-old Nathan Goddard has been accused of intentionally killing a law enforcement officer aiding a federal investigation and causing death using a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking. Punishments could include life in prison or the death penalty.

Two other individuals have been charged for taking part in the drug conspiracy. The suspects are Cahke Cortner, 39, and Lionel Combs III, 40. They were both charged with causing death through use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime of violence. These charges are also punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.

Detective Del Rio was born in Mexico City and grew up in Chicago. He lived in Dayton with his wife and five daughters. He also had three grandchildren, with one on the way. He began working with the Dayton Police in 1989 and was a 30-year veteran of the station.

A fundraiser was organized to raise money for Detective Del Rio’s family. As of Monday, it has raised over $82,000, surpassing the original goal of $75,000.

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