On January 18, 2017, Alexandrea Thompson, a 9-year-old girl from Cincinnati, OH, was tragically shot and killed in her home during a home invasion. Alexandrea, known affectionately as "Sissy," was described as a bright and caring student who was a leader in her fourth-grade class at Mount Auburn International Academy. She was of African American ethnicity.
The incident occurred when a group of men, including Azuriah Hoskins Jr.
and Ke'von Smith, forcibly entered the Thompson family home in the Mount Auburn neighborhood. Alexandrea's father, Alex Thompson, was also shot during the invasion but survived his injuries. Alexandrea was struck by a bullet that may have passed through her father's body. She was rushed to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Cincinnati police launched an investigation that led to the arrests of Hoskins and Smith nearly a year later. Both were charged with murder in connection with Alexandrea's death. Additionally, Chyanne Daniels was charged with murder, felonious assault, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery. The investigation revealed that the group had entered the home looking for money or drugs.
Ke'von Smith eventually pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and other charges, receiving an 18-year prison sentence. Azuriah Hoskins' case was still pending at the time, and he faced charges in juvenile court that would transfer to adult court upon indictment.
The tragic death of Alexandrea Thompson sparked a community outcry and calls for an end to violence in Cincinnati. Her funeral was filled with sorrow, and her family and friends remembered her as a bright child with a caring heart. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of gun violence on families and communities.
