On June 24, 2025, 15-year-old Adhon Thomas was shot at about 2 p.m. outside the fencing of the Upper Onondaga Park Pool in Syracuse, New York. A single gunshot struck him in the abdomen; first responders transported him to Upstate University Hospital, where he later died. A single shell casing was recovered near the fence line and the busy pool was closed while police began their investigation.

The death was ruled a homicide. The Syracuse Police Department conducted a wide canvass, executed multiple search warrants and carried out numerous interviews. The community reacted strongly; city officials announced plans for increased police presence at parks and pools. Family remembered Adhon as the joyful baby of the family who brought light and laughter wherever he went, and funeral services were scheduled for July 11 at Belle Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Within two weeks, detectives arrested another 15-year-old, Kyari Cunningham, at a residence on Martin Luther King Boulevard; he was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and held at Hillbrook Detention Facility. Court filings showed the suspect has a prior, confidential criminal history. The investigation remained active as authorities continued to gather evidence.

If anyone was at Upper Onondaga Park Pool that afternoon or has information about the shooting, please come forward.