On January 12, 2016, 14-year-old Georta Mack of Cincinnati, Ohio, was shot and killed by his father after a basement confrontation. Georta, known to neighbors as Day-Day, had skipped school that morning and returned home, hiding in the basement. The father, unaware his son had not gone to school, heard a noise, retrieved a loaded .45-caliber handgun and went downstairs. Startled when Georta jumped out, the father fired; the bullet struck Georta in the neck. The father called 911 and Georta was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters said the father’s account — that he mistook his son for an intruder and fired accidentally — was supported by the forensic evidence, and no criminal charges were filed. Neighbors described both Georta and his father as kind and respectful. The case is a stark example of how a firearm in the home can lead to irreversible tragedy. If anyone knew Georta or has information about that morning, please share what you remember.