Ohio – An Ohio man, identified as 23-year-old D. Blair, has been charged with the murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, B. Devinney, who was pregnant with his child at the time of her death. The tragic event unfolded on June 16, culminating in charges that include murder, two counts of assault, domestic violence by assault, aggravated menacing, and threats of domestic violence.
Devinney was found with severe injuries from an assault, following a domestic violence report sent via a 911 text message. Despite immediate medical attention, Devinney succumbed to her injuries later that morning at a nearby hospital. The young woman was 14 weeks pregnant, and the unborn child did not survive.
Authorities allege that Blair, the father of the unborn child and Devinney’s intermittent partner, fled the scene on foot but was arrested later that day. His arrest was not solely for the murder but also on outstanding warrants for previous domestic violence incidents involving Devinney.
Police Sgt. J. Albert highlighted Blair’s dangerous past, noting his previous involvement in domestic incidents with Devinney, which had already led to arrest warrants. Blair’s violent tendencies were not new to the authorities, as Devinney had reported him multiple times before her death, the most recent being just days prior.
During his arraignment, Blair demanded his release on bond, which was granted, albeit unlikely to secure his release given his extensive criminal record and the gravity of the charges. Judge O’Grady set his bond at $11 million, reflecting the severe nature of the accusations against him.
This court session was marked by Blair’s volatile behavior, including a tirade of expletives directed at the judge and his attorney. This outburst only strengthened the case for his high bond amount.
The community and Devinney’s family have been left reeling from the event. A GoFundMe page was set up to support the victim’s family, emphasizing the profound impact of the loss on Devinney’s parents and highlighting the financial and emotional strain they are enduring. The fundraiser also underscores the brutal circumstances of the young woman and her unborn child’s deaths, which have sent shockwaves through their community.
Blair’s history with the law includes a guilty plea to previous charges of domestic violence in December 2023, after which he was released on a $10,000 recognizance bond and monitored with an electronic ankle bracelet. However, these measures did not prevent the tragic outcome.
Reports from WSYX detailed Blair’s repeated threats and assaults on Devinney, including an incident where he allegedly held a knife to her throat. The police had been called to the Devinney residence multiple times over the past year due to Blair’s actions.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case brings to light the severe implications of domestic violence and the challenges of managing repeat offenders within the judicial system. The community, while grieving, calls for justice for Devinney and her unborn child.
