In a devastating incident that has once again shaken the heart of Cincinnati, 12-year-old Nehemiah McMillon was shot and killed late Saturday night in the Winton Hills neighborhood. The tragic loss of this bright and beloved young boy is now the subject of a homicide investigation by the Cincinnati Police Department.
Nehemiah was discovered inside a vehicle in the 4800 block of Este Avenue shortly after 11 p.m. on July 13, following reports of gunfire. Despite rapid response from officers and emergency personnel, Nehemiah succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Another juvenile was also wounded in the incident—a bullet graze that, while non-life-threatening, has left the community deeply unsettled.
As Nehemiah’s family grieves and an entire city reels from the heartbreak, authorities and community leaders are grappling with yet another painful reminder of the escalating toll of gun violence on Cincinnati’s youth.
What Happened? A Late-Night Shooting Turns Deadly
The call came in just after 11 p.m. on a summer Saturday night—a report of gunfire near Este Avenue in Winton Hills. When police officers arrived on scene, they discovered a car with two young boys inside. One of them—Nehemiah McMillon—had been struck by a bullet and was unresponsive. A second juvenile had been grazed and was later treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Despite efforts to provide aid, Nehemiah was declared dead at the scene.
Investigators from the Cincinnati Police Department Homicide Unit quickly arrived to begin processing the scene and interviewing witnesses. As of now, the shooting is not believed to be accidental, and the department has confirmed they are treating it as a homicide. However, no suspects have been named, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
“We know the community wants answers,” said Sgt. Darryl Johnson during a press briefing. “This is an open and active investigation, and we are doing everything we can to identify who is responsible for taking this young life.”
Remembering Nehemiah: A Joyful, Kind-Hearted Soul Gone Too Soon
To those who knew him, Nehemiah McMillon was not just another statistic—he was a vibrant, curious, and caring young boy who lit up every room he entered. His smile was infectious. His energy, limitless. At just 12 years old, Nehemiah was full of life and had dreams that now will never be realized.
“He loved video games, basketball, and dancing. But most of all, he loved his family,” said his aunt, Jasmine McMillon, through tears during a vigil held Sunday night. “Nehemiah had such a gentle heart. He wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up because he said he wanted to save lives.”
At school, teachers described him as “bright,” “funny,” and “kind.” His principal, Ms. Lacey Turner of Winton Hills Elementary, shared a statement expressing the school’s heartbreak and deep sadness.
“Nehemiah was part of our school family. He had a spark that made everyone around him feel better. This is a tremendous loss not only for his loved ones but for every student and teacher who knew him.”
The Second Juvenile Victim: A Witness and Survivor
The other child involved in the incident has not been publicly identified due to age. Police confirm the child sustained a bullet graze injury and managed to reach Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center independently for treatment.
Fortunately, that young person’s injuries were not life-threatening, but the emotional and psychological impact of witnessing a friend’s violent death will likely remain for a lifetime.
Authorities are hopeful the surviving juvenile may be able to assist in piecing together what happened that night, though details are understandably being handled with great care and sensitivity.
A Community on Edge: Winton Hills Sees Surge in Gun Violence
Nehemiah’s death marks the 18th shooting in Winton Hills in 2025, an alarming increase compared to 11 reported shootings in the same area during the same period last year. The uptick in violence has deeply concerned residents and local leaders.
“This is a crisis,” said Councilwoman Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, who has been outspoken on youth violence and gun reform. “We are burying children. That is not normal. That is not acceptable. We need bold, compassionate, and immediate action.”
Across Cincinnati, the toll is worsening. So far in 2025, 22 individuals under 18 have been shot—four of them fatally. In 2024, that number was 19 youth shot, with two fatalities by this point in the year.
Community members say they are fed up with promises and ready for policies.
“Where are the after-school programs? Where are the jobs for our teenagers? Where are the safe spaces for our kids?” said community organizer Akeem Washington. “We don’t need more balloons and candles. We need change.”
Ongoing Investigation: Police Plea for Information
The Cincinnati Police Department is continuing its investigation and is urging anyone with information about the July 13 shooting to come forward.
“This happened in a neighborhood where people were awake, and someone saw something,” said Sgt. Johnson. “Help us bring justice to Nehemiah and his family.”
Those with tips are encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542 or submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and canvassing for additional witnesses.
Family Statement and Grief
Nehemiah’s family has issued a public statement expressing their unimaginable grief and a plea for peace.
“Our hearts are broken beyond words. Nehemiah was our sunshine, our joy, our everything. We are devastated. We beg the community to help bring answers—not just for our family, but so no one else has to feel this pain. We ask for prayers and privacy as we prepare to lay our baby to rest.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support Nehemiah’s immediate family during this painful time. The campaign has already drawn hundreds of messages from neighbors, teachers, friends, and strangers offering condolences and prayers.
Youth Advocates and Local Leaders Respond
Local youth organizations have stepped up to demand more attention and resources for violence prevention. Several nonprofits in Cincinnati, including Strategies to End Gun Violence, Urban League Young Professionals, and The Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV), have released joint statements calling for:
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More trauma-informed care in schools
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Stronger community policing partnerships
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Investment in mentorship and youth workforce development
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Access to mental health support for youth exposed to violence
“This is about more than crime,” said Dr. Charles Booker, a local youth psychologist. “This is about trauma, neglect, and systemic disinvestment. Until we fix the root, the branches will keep breaking.”
Citywide Mourning and Call for Justice
Vigils have been held in Nehemiah’s honor at both his school and on Este Avenue, the site of the shooting. On Sunday, children released balloons and wrote notes to Nehemiah, placing them in a makeshift memorial filled with flowers, candles, and teddy bears.
A citywide moment of silence is planned for Friday, with churches and schools encouraged to ring bells at noon in memory of Nehemiah and other young victims of violence this year.
Funeral and Final Goodbye
Nehemiah McMillon will be laid to rest in a private ceremony later this week, surrounded by loved ones who continue to mourn the future that will never be.
A public memorial service will be held at New Prospect Baptist Church on Saturday, where community members will have a chance to say goodbye and commit to action in Nehemiah’s name.
The service will include tributes from his teachers, classmates, youth pastors, and family members.
Conclusion: A City’s Broken Heart and Unyielding Hope
Nehemiah’s death is not just a tragedy—it is a call to conscience. His life was short, but his memory is already stirring hearts and igniting conversations about how Cincinnati protects its most vulnerable citizens.
He was not in the wrong place. He was not doing anything wrong. He was a child. And now he is gone.
The pain in Winton Hills is real. But so too is the resolve.
Let this be the last Nehemiah. Let this be the last family torn apart. Let this be the turning point.