Terrell Lamar Merrill, an 18-year-old from Cincinnati, was found dead in an upstairs closet at a residence on Dina Avenue in Cheviot on June 15, 2022, with a gunshot wound to the head. Police were called about 3:00 a.m.; another juvenile at the scene had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. A juvenile present told investigators Terrell shot himself, but his family strongly disputes that account. The Cheviot police department had not confirmed whether the wound was self-inflicted or the result of a shooting by someone else, and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office was conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Terrell was remembered as a scholar who earned awards and certifications, was proficient in Microsoft programming, and was an avid football player who enjoyed time with friends and family. The community held a special Cincinnati City Council meeting to address youth trauma and violence after his death, and family and neighbors continue to seek answers and justice. If anyone knew Terrell, the events that night on Dina Avenue, or has information about what happened, please come forward.