Gbenga Showole, the husband of Bukola Pereira, made an emotional public plea on Friday, calling on neighbors and nearby businesses to scour their surveillance footage after his wife was shot and killed in Lockland. The family has put up a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person who shot her. Investigators say the shooting happened on May 8 at a used-car lot where Pereira worked.
Showole recorded a short video appeal and asked anyone with dash-cam or Ring footage to step up, saying the family is desperate for justice and answers, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The Hamilton County coroner has identified the victim as 30-year-old Oluwabukola Pereira, who was enrolled in Xavier University's MBA program and ran with Cincinnatus Elite, according to WCPO. She was shot on May 8 while working at Arise Auto Center in the 500 block of North Wayne Avenue, and the community has been mourning her loss. FOX19 reported on how Xavier honored her memory at its commencement ceremony.
What investigators are seeking
Detectives with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office are asking residents and businesses in Lockland and Lincoln Heights to review doorbell and business surveillance from May 8 between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and to submit any footage that might show the suspect, according to WLWT. The sheriff's office also has an online tip form where people can upload video evidence.
Suspect description
Investigators describe the suspect as a man roughly 25 to 35 years old, Black or Hispanic, with a heavy build and long hair worn in braids or dreadlocks, possibly a long black wig. He was last seen running toward the Gardner Park area and into the creek behind the lot, according to WCPO. No arrests have been reported, and the investigation is still active.
Showole said the family plans to honor Pereira's life through a foundation and community programs, and he again urged anyone with information to come forward. "It's time to pivot to one, finding the person who did this," he said at a recent remembrance, as reported by FOX19.
Anyone with footage or information is asked to call or text the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office tip line at 513-586-5533 or submit video through the sheriff's online tip form. Crime Stoppers can also be reached at 513-352-3040, according to hcso.org.
