CINCINNATI — An 11-year-old girl was fatally shot Thursday evening in a tragic incident that has left the West End community mourning. According to Cincinnati police, the shooting occurred around 6:42 p.m. at Laurels Playground, located at the intersection of West Liberty Street and John Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered the victim, identified as QueenEr’Re Reed, who had sustained a gunshot wound. She was immediately taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, prompting an urgent investigation by law enforcement.
QueenEr’Re was reportedly at the playground with her cousins during the holiday season when the gunfire erupted. Her grandmother, Terra Reed, expressed her heartbreak over the loss, describing her granddaughter as a bright light in the lives of those who knew her. “She was a beautiful baby. Everybody is brokenhearted from the incident last night,” Terra said. “She wasn’t away from me for half an hour and she was gone.”
Community leaders have also reacted with sorrow and anger over the widespread gun violence affecting the area. Mitch Morris, founder of Save Our Youth Kings and Queens, expressed his condolences and called for collective action. “This tragedy keeps happening in our community, and we have to get to the bottom of it,” he said. “These guns are ripping our community apart.”
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval voiced similar sentiments, labeling the incident “senseless” and pledging the city’s full support for the ongoing investigation. “We can’t let this happen,” he stated. “In the West End and in every neighborhood, we will spare nothing to put a stop to this.”
Congressman Greg Landsman also released a statement, emphasizing the need for justice and safer environments for children. “My heart goes out to her family and community. This is so wrong and awful,” he said. “We have to ensure justice is done.”
Cincinnati police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the shooter.
This incident is not isolated, as a similar tragedy occurred earlier this year in the same vicinity. An 11-year-old boy named Dominic Davis was shot near Laurel Playground, and to date, no arrests have been made in that case either.
As authorities continue to investigate, the community grapples with the pain of another young life lost to gun violence, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to end the cycle of senseless tragedy.