Makenzi Marie Ridley was 17 when she was fatally shot on June 24, 2021, outside the Far East Community Center in Columbus, Ohio. She had been attending a gathering when a bullet struck her neck; she was taken to Mount Carmel East Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police say Makenzi was not the intended target.

Columbus Division of Police released surveillance video showing two male suspects running from the scene and entering a gray sedan, but no arrests have been announced and the suspects remain at large. Makenzi’s death was recorded as the city’s 96th homicide for 2021.

Her mother, Seneca Ridley, created the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation to honor her memory and provide scholarships and mentoring for disadvantaged youth. Makenzi is remembered for cheerleading, dancing, volunteering and entrepreneurial aspirations. If anyone has information about the shooting or the two men seen on the surveillance video, please share what you know.