Stephanie Dilyard Cincinnati, OH Obituary: Community Supports Stephanie Dilyard After Self-Defense Incident
Cincinnati, Ohio — Stephanie Dilyard, a 27-year-old overnight shift worker, faced a terrifying ordeal that put her life at risk while working alone behind the counter at a local convenience store. During her shift, a customer, 59-year-old Kenneth Thompson, attempted to use a counterfeit hundred-dollar bill. When Stephanie questioned the bill, the situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Products were hurled across the store, and Thompson physically attacked her, putting his hands on her throat, restricting her breathing, and threatening her with further harm.
Stephanie’s rapid response in a high-stress situation was both decisive and lawful. With mere seconds to react, she drew her legally owned firearm and fired a single round, striking Thompson in self-defense. The assailant broke free from the store, left the premises, and later dialed 911, leading to his arrest. Police and investigators thoroughly reviewed the incident, confirming that Stephanie’s actions were fully justified under the law. She acted to preserve her own life, responding appropriately to an immediate and lethal threat.
Despite her exoneration and clear demonstration of self-defense, Stephanie faced unexpected consequences at her workplace. Days after the incident, her employer, 7-Eleven, terminated her employment, citing company policy rather than consideration of the life-threatening circumstances she endured. Friends, family, and community members have expressed outrage at the decision, emphasizing the injustice of penalizing someone for defending themselves in a lawful and necessary manner. Stephanie’s experience highlights the tension between corporate policies and real-world emergencies, raising questions about support and protection for workers in vulnerable positions.
Stephanie is remembered by friends and neighbors as a responsible, thoughtful, and resilient individual. She balanced the demands of her job with personal goals and community involvement, often lending a hand to those in need. Colleagues recall her professionalism, dedication, and ability to maintain composure under pressure, traits that proved critical during the life-threatening incident. Her actions on that night exemplify courage and presence of mind in the face of imminent danger.
Authorities continue to pursue criminal charges against Kenneth Thompson, ensuring accountability for the violent assault. Investigators have praised Stephanie’s measured response, noting her adherence to self-defense laws and her immediate reporting of the incident. Legal experts emphasize that her case serves as an example of lawful defensive action in a real-world threat scenario, demonstrating the importance of both personal safety measures and clarity in firearm regulations.
The Cincinnati community has rallied around Stephanie, offering emotional support, legal guidance, and public advocacy in response to her unjust termination. Her story has sparked conversations about worker safety, employer responsibility, and the right to defend oneself when confronted with physical danger. Despite the trauma and professional setback, Stephanie’s courage and quick thinking prevented potentially far greater harm, saving her life in a situation where seconds made all the difference.
Stephanie Dilyard’s ordeal will be remembered not only for the life-threatening danger she faced but also for the resilience, bravery, and integrity she displayed under extraordinary circumstances. Friends, family, and neighbors continue to stand with her, honoring her courage and advocating for fair treatment in the aftermath of a terrifying and unjustly complicated experience.
