Cincinnati Mourns the Tragic Loss of 16-Year-Old Rasheed Mills Following Fatal Over-the-Rhine Shooting
CINCINNATI, OH — June 20, 2025 — The city of Cincinnati is reeling from the devastating news of a fatal shooting that took the life of 16-year-old Rasheed Mills on Thursday night in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The incident, which unfolded in the 1300 block of Vine Street, has left the community in deep mourning and raised urgent concerns about violence impacting the city’s youth.
According to the Cincinnati Police Department, officers responded to calls of gunfire inside an apartment building shortly before 10 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered Rasheed suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but tragically, Rasheed was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation remains active, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting. No arrests have been made as of Friday morning, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives are also reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing residents in hopes of piecing together the events of that heartbreaking night.
As news of Rasheed’s death spread, grief and outrage rippled across Cincinnati. Friends, family members, classmates, and neighbors gathered throughout the day Friday, lighting candles and leaving heartfelt tributes near the apartment building where he lost his life. Photos of Rasheed—many showing a smiling, spirited teenager full of life and potential—were shared across social media with messages of heartbreak and calls for peace.
Those who knew Rasheed describe him as bright, kind-hearted, and full of dreams. He was a high school student with aspirations of going to college, deeply loved by his family and known in his community for his sense of humor, loyalty, and love for music and sports. His teachers remember him as respectful and quick to help others, while his friends say he was someone who could always bring light to even the darkest moments.
Rasheed’s family released a brief statement through a local community leader, expressing their profound sorrow and asking for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
“Rasheed was our joy, our light, our baby boy. He had so much life ahead of him, so many dreams, and so much love to give. We are shattered. We ask for prayers, for peace, and for justice.”
City officials, faith leaders, and community advocates have responded to the tragedy with calls for unity and urgent efforts to curb gun violence in Cincinnati. Mayor Aftab Pureval spoke out on Friday morning, extending condolences to the Mills family and pledging full support for the investigation.
“The loss of any young life is a tragedy beyond measure. Rasheed Mills should be here today, with his family, with his friends, building his future. We must come together—not only to find justice for Rasheed but to protect all of our children from senseless violence.”
The shooting adds to growing concerns over the safety of youth in Cincinnati neighborhoods, particularly in areas that have been disproportionately impacted by systemic poverty, underinvestment, and violence. Grassroots organizations and youth advocates say they are renewing their efforts to engage young people and create safer environments through mentorship, outreach, and expanded community resources.
A vigil is being planned for Saturday evening in Over-the-Rhine, where residents will gather to remember Rasheed, honor his life, and demand action to prevent future tragedies. Counselors and grief support services are also being made available to students and families through Cincinnati Public Schools and local nonprofits.
As the community grapples with this terrible loss, one truth remains painfully clear: Rasheed Mills was a life taken far too soon. A teenager with promise and hope, now gone, leaving a silence that echoes far beyond the apartment where his life was stolen.
To know Rasheed was to know joy, potential, and love. He will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Rasheed.
You were loved. You mattered. And your life will continue to inspire a city to do better—for you, and for every young soul still dreaming.