Zy’Keera N. Townsend was 17 and from Lima, Ohio. She died of a gunshot wound on April 13, 2021, at about 10:40 AM after being shot at a residence on Scott Road in Union Township, Van Wert County. Despite medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The community remembered her as positive and loving; she attended Elida High School and Apollo Career Center and was working toward a nurse aide certificate. She enjoyed painting, doing her makeup and hair, and watching anime.

A young person who fled the scene was apprehended in the village of Scott and faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault. The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Zy’Keera is survived by parents, siblings, maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; funeral services were held April 20, 2021.

If anyone knew Zy’Keera or has information about what happened that morning, please come forward to the investigators.