On July 16, 2023, 37-year-old Tempest Elise Epps was fatally shot in a drive-by incident in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood. The shooting occurred around 6:40 p.m. on Freeman Avenue near Naeher Street, where shots were fired from a vehicle into a crowd on the sidewalk, striking Epps multiple times. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have identified the suspect vehicle as a black Hyundai sedan, which was seen fleeing toward Lynn Street. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the Cincinnati Police Department continues to seek information from the public to aid in their investigation.
Epps was remembered for her exceptional hair-braiding skills and her vibrant personality. She is survived by her daughter, Te'Mya Donnay'jah Epps, and her mother, Alicia A. Epps. A funeral service was held on August 5, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cincinnati, followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery.
The community remains on edge, as this incident adds to a series of drive-by shootings in the area. Local activists have organized events to protest gun violence, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions to prevent further tragedies.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (513) 352-3040. Tips can be provided anonymously, and there may be financial rewards for information leading to an arrest.
