An 11-year-old girl named QueenEr'Re Reed tragically lost her life to gun violence on New Year's Day, compelling the Cincinnati community to gather in an outpouring of grief and a demand for justice. According to FOX19, hundreds joined at Laurel Playground, where Reed was playing with her cousins when she was caught in crossfire.
Family members and community leaders have been quick to express their sorrow and to call for action. Linda Kennedy, one of Reed's cousins, implored the community to "Just say something," emphasizing the need for anyone with information to step forward. "You don't have to be seen. Tell nobody nothing. Just call the police. Say something because this little girl needs justice," she told FOX19. Meanwhile, Darlene Kennedy expressed the heartbreaking scene at the hospital on the night of the shooting, saying it "would break your heart."
The incident on Thursday evening marked Cincinnati's first homicide of the new year. Reed, who lived in Columbus but was visiting family in Cincinnati for the holidays, was taken to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A Facebook post by area pastor and former mayoral candidate Cory Bowman detailed the family's grief, being unable to see Reed's body at the hospital, Local 12 reported.
The outpouring of support has seen citizens across the board come together, from politicians to pastors and community leaders. Peterson Mingo, who has worked for the Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence, expressed his all too familiar pain knowing Reed's death adds to the long list of local homicides he's encountered. "I attended 742 funerals over that period of time, homicides. You never get used to it; you just get over it, you know?" Mingo shared with Local 12. Mayor Aftab Pureval also released a statement pledging full support to the police investigation to "put a stop to this."
While details about the shooting remain sparse, the family's grief is palpable. Chere Williams, Reed's mother, called the event her only daughter's end, as reported by WLWT. Williams remembered Reed as a joyful spirit and a natural leader within their family, known affectionately as "mommy." Cincinnati police continue their investigation as Reed's family, along with the broader community, waits for answers and justice. "I pray to God just give me the strength to forgive you, but you got to go behind bars. I'm sorry," Williams said, conveying both her grief and her determination for justice in her daughter's untimely death.
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