A New Year’s Day evening meant for laughter and family time turned into a nightmare in Cincinnati’s West End after an 11-year-old girl was shot and killed near a neighborhood playground. The shocking violence has left a community grieving and searching for answers as yet another young life was lost to gunfire.
Cincinnati police identified the victim as Queener’Re Reed, 11. Authorities confirmed that she died Thursday at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound. The shooting happened around 6:45 p.m. near Laurel Playground, located at the intersection of West Liberty Street and John Street, an area where families often gather.
According to Cincinnati Police Lt. Jerome Herring, District 1 officers were “flagged down” by people in the area who reported that someone had been shot. When officers arrived, they found Queener’Re suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medics rushed her to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where doctors worked to save her life. Despite their efforts, she later died from her injuries.
Former Cincinnati mayoral candidate Cory Bowman, who serves as pastor at a church attended by some of the girl’s family members, shared the heartbreaking moment he learned of her death. Bowman said he received a call from Queener’Re’s grandmother, whose voice carried overwhelming pain. “Pastor, they killed my baby,” Bowman recalled her saying. “They killed our Queen.” He said the family is devastated by the sudden loss.
Bowman also shared that Queener’Re was playing at the park with her cousins when gunshots rang out nearby. The children were enjoying time together when violence erupted without warning. At this time, police have not said what led to the shooting or whether the child was the intended target, leaving many painful questions unanswered.
As of now, no suspect information has been released. Cincinnati police say the Homicide Unit is actively investigating the case and following up on leads. Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information to come forward. Even small details, police say, could be critical.
The death of Queener’Re Reed has shaken the West End and renewed concerns about gun violence near places meant to be safe for children. As the city mourns, family members, neighbors, and community leaders are calling for justice and change, hoping that no other family will have to endure such a heartbreaking loss.
