On April 15, 2023, at approximately 9:28 p.m., Urbana police and fire divisions responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at the Endowment Building, located at 113 South Main Street in Urbana, Ohio. Upon arrival, officers discovered 25-year-old Kaden Mae Harkins deceased inside apartment #201, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The Champaign County Coroner, Dr. Joshua Richards, pronounced her dead at the scene.
At the scene, officers encountered 30-year-old Jamie J.
King, who resided with Harkins. He was taken into custody without incident. Subsequent investigations revealed that King had shot Harkins 13 times with a handgun. He was charged with murder and a firearm specification. On November 13, 2023, King pleaded guilty to these charges. On December 11, 2023, Champaign County Common Pleas Court Judge Nick A. Selvaggio sentenced King to 18 years to life in prison.
Kaden Harkins was remembered by her family and friends as a vibrant and loving individual. Her mother, Jaie Joiner, expressed profound grief, stating, "If I could have taken them bullets for you girl, I would’ve taken them in a minute." A vigil was held in her honor in downtown Urbana, where community members gathered to pay their respects and support her family.
The tragic loss of Kaden Harkins deeply affected the Urbana community, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence. Her family continues to mourn her untimely death, cherishing the memories of her joyful spirit and the love she shared with those around her.
