WEST END, Ohio — A tragic incident unfolded in Laurel Park when 11-year-old QueenEr’Re Reed, affectionately known as Queenie, was shot while playing with her cousins. This heartbreaking event has left her family reeling and seeking answers amid their profound grief.
Erick Reed, Queenie’s father, expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “When they took her, a part of me left with her. I’m not just sad or angry; I’m devastated. I’m left with so many questions.” He lamented the senselessness of the shooting, questioning why anyone would harm innocent children playing in their neighborhood.
In the wake of this tragedy, family and friends are organizing a peace walk to honor Queenie’s memory and advocate for greater safety measures in the area. “She was my everything, always radiating joy and cheer for her brother during his football games. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled,” Erick Reed reflected, noting the impact on Queenie’s siblings as well.
The planned march will journey from Laurel Park to the District One Police Headquarters, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures. Reed called for the installation of surveillance cameras in the vicinity, emphasizing, “This is a high-crime area, and I believe these cameras should have been there already.”
Despite the approval of funding by the city council for additional security cameras following a previous shooting, there has been little progress in their implementation. Council member Mark Jeffreys underscored the urgency of the situation, saying, “This is an emergency. We have allocated funds, and we need to ensure these measures are taken without further delay.”
Galen Gordon, president of the West End Community Council, echoed this sentiment, urging for swift action. “There should be no excuse for not deploying this technology. Lives are at stake,” he said, highlighting the community’s frustration over stalled security measures.
In response to the recent violence, a new camera was installed on Monday in Laurel Park as authorities continue their investigation into the shooting. Erick Reed appealed to the public, saying, “If anyone has any information, please come forward. This was utterly senseless.”
Queenie’s family is currently making arrangements for her funeral services, which are scheduled for January 17. The community mourns a young life cut short, left searching for answers and demanding safer environments for its children.