United States authorities have continued investigations into the killing of Nigerian middle-distance athlete Oluwabukola Pereira, who was shot dead during an alleged robbery in Lockland, Ohio, days before she was due to complete her MBA programme.
The 30-year-old athlete was killed on May 8 at the Arise Auto Centre located on North Wayne Avenue, where she worked as a cashier.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that officers responded to the shooting and secured the area while residents were advised to avoid nearby streets during the early stage of the investigation.
The coroner later confirmed that Pereira died at the scene from gunshot wounds, while detectives have appealed to residents and businesses in Lockland and nearby Lincoln Heights to submit surveillance footage that could assist the investigation.
“Detectives are asking residents and business owners in both Lockland and nearby Lincoln Heights to review any available surveillance footage, including Ring camera video, for possible evidence captured between the hours of 12:30 and 3 p.m.,” WCPO Cincinnati reported.
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Investigators described the suspect as a Black man of heavy build who was reportedly dressed in grey sweatpants and a black top or sweatshirt, with reports suggesting he may also have worn a long black wig before fleeing through a creek behind the business premises.
Pereira built a career in middle-distance athletics, representing Nigeria in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events across local and international competitions.
Her personal bests included 2:12.68 in the 800 metres and 4:39.57 in the 1500 metres, both recorded in Warrensburg, Missouri, in May 2019.
Pereira’s athletics journey stretched from appearances at the 2012 AFN Golden League in Port Harcourt to collegiate competitions in the United States and later outings at meets such as the 2024 Portland Track Festival.
A co-worker, Don Simpson, told WCPO Cincinnati that Pereira was respected by colleagues and tried to confront the suspect during the robbery attempt before she was shot.
“They called me and told me she didn’t make it,” Simpson said.
“I see her every day. Like I said, she does the cash. When people come in with cash, she pays for the cars. I was delivering a load, and at first I thought it wasn’t true cause it’s broad daylight.”
