Community members have rallied together in mourning and solidarity following the devastating loss of three family members in a College Hill neighborhood. Last Thursday, Patricia McCollum and her adopted children, DJ and Kaydence McCollum, were found stabbed to death in their home, according to WLWT. The suspect, Anthony Mathis, also deceased due to self-inflicted wounds, was later identified as part of the extended family.
In a heartfelt gathering, the Holloway House & Resource Center community assembled to pay tribute to the victims. Patricia's son, Demetrius McCollom, said, "My mom has touched many hearts in the Greater Cincinnati area," highlighting the substantial impact of his mother's nurturing presence. Her legacy was one of unwavering support, having fostered over 200 children, a testament to her character and benevolence shared at the vigil and captured by WLWT.
The tragedy struck chords of disbelief and grief throughout the neighborhood, with Patricia lauded as a community pillar who adopted DJ and Kaydence as babies, giving them a chance at a life they otherwise may not have had. "It’s hard for me, especially with DJ. He came into the world with tragedy and left the world the same way," said Sonia Harper, Patricia's lifelong friend, reported by FOX19. Kaydence, described as a briskly, bubbly child who stood up for the bullied, also left a poignant legacy of kindness and courage, related by her cousin Jada McCollum.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements have been set, and services will be held at Corinthian Baptist Church, according to Local 12.
