Adrian Bufford, a 20-year-old African American male from Hamilton, Ohio, tragically lost his life on June 10, 2017. Bufford was found shot in the head at an apartment on East Lakeview Drive in Reading, Ohio, just before 9:30 p.m. He was immediately taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Phazion Whyte, a 19-year-old from Elmwood Place, was arrested and charged with reckless homicide in connection with Bufford's death.
Whyte was arraigned and released after posting 10 percent of a $25,000 bond. Under Ohio law, reckless homicide is classified as a third-degree felony.
In 2018, Whyte pleaded no contest to the charge of reckless homicide and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. The case drew significant attention in the local community, highlighting issues of gun violence and youth crime in the area.
Adrian Bufford was remembered fondly by his family and friends. He was a graduate of Fairfield High School with a 4.0 GPA and was known for his sense of humor, beautiful smile, and ability to connect with others. Bufford was also an active member of Higher Ground Church and played basketball at Northwest High School.
The tragic loss of Adrian Bufford continues to resonate within the community, serving as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on young lives and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future tragedies.
