A spate of gunfire in Cincinnati has claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy and left five others injured, some of whom are juveniles, authorities said.
The shooting occurred on the evening of November 3, 2023, around 9:30 pm, on the West End, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. Officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired and discovered six individuals with gunshot wounds.
The boy, identified as Dominic Davis, was pronounced dead at the scene, while five other victims, whose ages range between 12 and 15, sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. The injured were swiftly transported to local hospitals, with three in critical condition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and two others at the University of Cincinnati Hospital.
In the aftermath, Cincinnati Police released body cam footage of the officer-involved response to the incident. This step towards transparency comes at a time when the city is grappling with the aftermath of the violence.
The Cincinnati community has been left reeling by the event, which saw an unidentified assailant discharge 22 rounds from a sedan into a crowd. The father of the deceased, Isaac Davis, appeared at a news conference beseeching witnesses to come forward. In an emotionally charged plea, he questioned the relentless cycle of violence plaguing the community.
Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long, who shared a personal loss to gun violence in her own family, expressed both grief and determination to pursue justice for the young victims. She promised an unwavering commitment to apprehending those responsible.
Police Chief Terri Theetge echoed this sentiment, calling on the perpetrator to surrender and warning that law enforcement would persevere in their quest to secure justice.
Officials, including Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, have denounced the incident, with public statements characterizing the violence as a persistent and intolerable scourge in the city. The Police Chief stressed the unacceptability of such incidents, which she remarked are becoming too common.
An investigation is actively ongoing, with detectives combing through evidence and seeking information from the public that might lead to an arrest.
The release of body camera footage by the Cincinnati Police adds a crucial layer to the unfolding narrative, offering a glimpse into the critical moments as law enforcement responded to the tragedy. This incident underscores the broader challenge of gun violence affecting communities across the nation.
Authorities urge anyone with information to step forward to aid the investigation.