Three Dead, One Injured in Mount Washington Shooting; Police Say Suspect Among Victims
CINCINNATI — A quiet Sunday afternoon in Mount Washington was shattered by violence when a shooting left three people dead and another injured, including the alleged gunman, according to Cincinnati police. The incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of Beacon Street, rattling the close-knit East Side neighborhood.
The Incident
Lt. Jonathan Cunningham of the Cincinnati Police Department said officers were dispatched following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found four people suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were transported to UC Medical Center in critical condition. One of those transported later died from her injuries, while the other — identified as the suspected shooter — survived after an apparent suicide attempt.
“This incident did occur both inside and outside of the residence,” Cunningham explained during a press briefing. “When our officers arrived a few moments later, they observed four individuals being shot. Truly a tragedy today. The pain is very widespread, being felt by those involved, by our officers, by the residential community here. It’s very sad.”
Victims Identified
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as:
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Bemnet Deresse, 27
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Eden Adugna, 22
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Feven Adugna, 20
Authorities have not released details about how the victims were connected to the suspect, and investigators are still working to determine the motive.
Eyewitness Account
Neighbors reported hearing gunfire before officers arrived and again afterward, heightening the fear and confusion.
Brandon Reynolds, who lives nearby, said he was at home doing chores when the sounds erupted.
“I was folding laundry upstairs, and then I heard some booms, which I thought was, you know, people practicing [fireworks] for tonight for the holiday,” Reynolds said. “This is the first time I’ve seen crime in our neighborhood, on our block.”
The neighborhood, usually quiet and family-oriented, was left reeling from the violence.
Investigation Continues
Police have not confirmed whether the victims and suspect were related or acquaintances. Detectives are working to reconstruct the chain of events, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspect, though critically injured, remains alive and under medical care. His condition could play a critical role in uncovering what led to the tragedy.
Community Reaction
The Mount Washington community is grappling with grief and shock. Local leaders described the shooting as a devastating blow to an area not accustomed to violent crime.
“This is heartbreaking,” one resident said. “These young people had their whole lives ahead of them.”
Counseling services may be offered to neighbors and first responders who were deeply affected by the violent scene.
What’s Next
The Cincinnati Police Department is continuing its investigation. While officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public, they emphasized the importance of patience as they work to answer lingering questions about motive and relationships between those involved.
Lt. Cunningham noted: “We still have to let the investigation play out. So we have a lot of unknown questions at this time.”
For now, the families of Bemnet Deresse, Eden Adugna, and Feven Adugna are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones, while a community seeks healing in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
