NEW ALBANY, Ind. — A southern Indiana toddler will grow up without her father, as New Albany investigators search for answers following a deadly shooting at a home early Thursday morning.
Police say 25-year-old Dajour Drones was found shot to death around 2 a.m. near his home in the 1300 block of Beechwood Avenue, just off Charlestown Road, according to a press release.
Thursday afternoon, family and friends grieving near the scene told us Drones' young daughter was inside the home when the shooting happened.
Drones' great aunt and sister said they want Drones to be remembered as a good man and a loving father, first and foremost.
Christal Crady said the bond between her great-nephew and his daughter, Royalty -- who turns two years old in October -- was so strong they were inseparable.
"You couldn't get her off of his hip," Crady said. "Like nobody else could hold her, she only wanted him. [Now], her daddy has disappeared and she's never going to see him again, and she's not going to understand that."
Drones' sister Sheryle Wilson pushed through tears to speak with WHAS11, as she pleaded for answers.
"He didn't deserve this," Wilson said. "If anybody knows anything please...my brother was a good person and an even greater dad.
Wilson said her brother was raising Royalty by himself.
"All his friends know exactly how he is. That's why they're here right now," she said.
The family said Royalty is safe and with extended family to get rest.
Wilson says she wants justice, as New Albany Police (NAPD) work to figure out a motive and locate suspect(s).
The family said Drones typically had a few cameras on the outside of his home for security. They hope that will help speed up the process for investigators.
NAPD's Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the investigation.
If anyone has any information pertaining to this case, you are urged to contact the police at 812-948-5300, 812-944-6411 or the crime tip line at 812-948-NAPD.
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