On December 27, 2017, James E. Hutsell Jr., an 18-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, was tragically shot and killed during an attempted robbery in the Roselawn neighborhood. James, who was a senior at St. Bernard-Elmwood Place High School, was reported to have been in possession of a pellet gun during the incident. He was shot while trying to flee from the scene of the attempted robbery. The tragic incident unfolded suddenly, ending with James’s death on the spot, and has since left his family and community grieving the young life lost.
The circumstances of James's death were controversial, with differing opinions regarding the attempted robbery and his role in the incident. The authorities responded to the scene but were unable to save him. James’s death has since been remembered by friends and family, who have posted tributes in his memory, highlighting the tragedy that his young life was cut short just before he had the opportunity to explore his future.
