Parris Hummons, a 19-year-old African American woman, was tragically shot and killed on April 16, 2016, while visiting a friend in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hummons, a nursing student at Wright State University, was in the car with her friend when they were attacked by gunfire. The incident occurred on Dale Street in Bond Hill, and Hummons was later pronounced dead at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, John Sanders and Robert
Carpenter. Sanders, 21, and Carpenter, 19, were both charged with murder. According to court documents, Carpenter admitted to firing the shots, claiming he was seeking revenge for a fight he had earlier that day. Sanders was driving the car at the time of the shooting. Both men pleaded guilty to murder and were sentenced to prison. Sanders received a 20-year-to-life sentence, while Carpenter was sentenced to 28 years to life.
The case drew significant attention due to the senseless nature of the crime and the promising future that Hummons had ahead of her. Her grandmother, Shirley Rosell, brought Hummons' "American Dream" paper to court, highlighting her aspirations and the impact her death had on her family. The family established a memorial scholarship in her name at Wright State University to honor her memory.
The tragic loss of Parris Hummons serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families.
