In a devastating act of violence that shook the West Price Hill community in Cincinnati, 18-year-old Dewey Curtis was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting on Tuesday evening. The attack, which took place around 9 p.m. on Seibel Lane, left Curtis fighting for his life, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders, he was later pronounced dead at UC Medical Center. The second victim, whose identity has yet to be publicly released, survived the attack and is currently in stable condition. The Cincinnati Police Department’s homicide unit has launched a full investigation into the incident, which remains under active review.

Timeline of the Incident At approximately 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2025, residents of the West Price Hill neighborhood heard the unmistakable sounds of gunfire echoing through the streets. Authorities received multiple calls reporting shots fired in the 900 block of Seibel Lane, a residential area known for its close-knit community. Officers quickly responded to the scene and found two victims at the site of the shooting, both suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victims were immediately rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UC Medical Center), where medical professionals worked tirelessly to save their lives. Tragically, Dewey Curtis, the 18-year-old who had been struck by the gunfire, succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The second victim, whose age and identity have not been disclosed by the police, was treated for injuries that were non-life-threatening. Authorities have confirmed that the individual is in stable condition but have provided few other details about the person’s role in the attack.

Victim’s Background Dewey Curtis, a resident of the West Price Hill area, was described by family members and friends as a bright young man with a promising future. Those close to him painted a picture of a hardworking individual who had dreams and aspirations of contributing to his community. Curtis was known for his love of sports and his deep connections with his family and friends.

At just 18 years old, Curtis had his whole life ahead of him. His untimely death has left his family heartbroken, with many of them expressing their disbelief at the sudden and violent loss. Those who knew him well spoke of his kindness, compassion, and determination to make something positive out of his life.

Friends and family have flooded social media with tributes, expressing their sorrow and disbelief at the loss of such a promising young individual. His death has left a significant void in the West Price Hill neighborhood, where he was well-liked and respected.

Details of the Shooting According to initial reports from the Cincinnati Police Department, the shooting was a targeted drive-by attack. Authorities have stated that a vehicle drove past a home on Seibel Lane and opened fire, with several shots being discharged at the residence. At this time, investigators are unsure whether the home itself was the intended target or if the victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Police officials have confirmed that the shooting was not a random act of violence, and they are currently looking into the possibility that the victims were targeted for a specific reason. Investigators are also reviewing potential leads and collecting evidence from the scene, including shell casings and eyewitness testimonies.

Although the incident occurred on a relatively quiet residential street, the shooting has left the community on edge, with residents expressing concerns over safety in the area. Local law enforcement has promised to increase patrols in the neighborhood as they continue their investigation.

The Ongoing Investigation The Cincinnati Police Department’s homicide unit is actively investigating the case, with officers and detectives working around the clock to gather information and track down the perpetrators. As of now, there have been no arrests in connection with the shooting, but authorities are pursuing several leads that may provide more clarity about the individuals responsible.

Detectives are working to identify the vehicle used in the drive-by shooting and have appealed to the public for any information that might help them in their investigation. They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or heard anything unusual in the hours leading up to the attack.

The police have set up a tip line for people to report any information they may have about the incident. Individuals with knowledge of the shooting are urged to contact the Cincinnati Police Department’s homicide unit at 513-352-3542. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in bringing those responsible for this senseless act of violence to justice.

Community Reactions and Impact The West Price Hill neighborhood, a historically tight-knit community in Cincinnati, has been rocked by the shooting. Many residents are still coming to terms with the loss of Curtis, whom they describe as a young man with boundless potential. The area, which has long struggled with issues related to crime, has seen an outpouring of grief and support for Curtis’s family.

Community leaders and activists have expressed their outrage over the violence, calling for an end to gun-related incidents in the area. Several local organizations are working together to organize vigils and community events aimed at honoring Curtis’s memory and providing support for his grieving family.

One such group, the West Price Hill Community Action Committee, released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss and their commitment to improving safety in the neighborhood. They have also pledged to work closely with local law enforcement to address the root causes of violence in the community and to ensure that future incidents like this do not occur.

Calls for Justice and Gun Control The tragic death of Dewey Curtis has sparked renewed conversations about gun violence in Cincinnati and the wider issues facing urban communities. Advocates for gun control have used the shooting as an example of the dangers posed by easy access to firearms, calling for stricter regulations on gun ownership and tougher penalties for those involved in gun violence.

Local politicians have also weighed in on the matter, with several expressing their condolences to Curtis’s family while calling for immediate action to curb the growing problem of gun violence in the city. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval released a statement condemning the attack and vowing to work with police and community leaders to make the city safer.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Dewey Curtis during this difficult time,” Pureval said. “No one should have to live in fear of senseless violence in their own neighborhood. We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safe.”

The Role of Social Media in the Aftermath In the hours following Dewey Curtis’s death, social media platforms became a space for friends, family, and community members to express their grief and share their memories of the young man. Several heartfelt tributes poured in, with many people describing Curtis as someone who brought joy to everyone around him.

The incident has also sparked discussions about the role of social media in promoting violence and the impact it has on communities. Some have raised concerns about the potential influence of social media on young people, especially when it comes to promoting negative behaviors such as violence and gang activity.

In the wake of Curtis’s death, there have been calls for increased awareness of the dangers of social media and greater efforts to monitor and control harmful content online. Advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to take action to address the role of social media in the proliferation of violence and to provide more resources for young people to make better choices in the digital age.

Conclusion The tragic death of Dewey Curtis in West Price Hill has left the community reeling. As investigators continue to piece together the events surrounding the drive-by shooting, many are holding out hope that the individuals responsible will be brought to justice. In the meantime, the neighborhood is coming together to mourn the loss of a young man with a bright future ahead of him.

Curtis’s family and friends are asking for privacy as they grieve their devastating loss, but they have also called for justice and accountability for those who took his life. The hope is that, through community unity and continued efforts to address violence in Cincinnati, this senseless tragedy will not be forgotten and that meaningful changes will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that Dewey Curtis’s death has had a profound impact on the West Price Hill community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his story serves as a reminder of the need to work together to prevent violence and create safer, more supportive communities. The search for justice continues, and the community remains steadfast in its commitment to making West Price Hill a safer place for all.