The Cincinnati community is mourning the loss of 16-year-old Thomas "T.J." Bell, who police say was shot and killed in Over-the-Rhine near Grant Park on Tuesday evening. Witnesses and police described the incident as a drive-by shooting, with an SUV speeding away from the scene. FOX19 reported that the tragedy unfolded around 5 p.m. at the intersection of East McMicken Avenue and Walnut Street, also leaving a second juvenile wounded.
The aftermath of the violence was felt deeply in the local community, where residents are all too familiar with the long history of violence at OTR park. A witness shared with LOCAL12 that children ran and hid under cars as shots were fired, describing the scene as "pure chaos."
As the community grieved, a balloon release was held at the site of the shooting where, according to a WLWT interview, the victim's family and friends came together in search of solace. "My baby girl was the one that was here, and she was the one doing chest compressions and stuff to try and stop him from bleeding," said Arnetta Baker, who witnessed Bell grow up.
During this time of sorrow, community leaders are calling for action. "Get these guns off the street, there's too many of them out here," Baker urged, echoing a sentiment of despair shared amongst those impacted by the tragedy. Advocates are also pressing for more support for the youth in the area. "We just need more support from mental health specialists, trauma specialists," Kevin Corey, Executive Director of Wesley Chapel Mission Center, mentioned in a WLWT interview. "When you come in this neighborhood, don't look at the kids as someone that you're scared of. Look at them as an ally. They're children."
