Seven-year-old Justice Jenkins died on July 16, 2024, after being shot inside a home on Arvin Avenue in Springfield Township, Cincinnati, Ohio. Initial accounts said Justice may have accidentally shot himself while handling a firearm; a 911 call placed by his great-grandmother said he had been handling the gun when the incident occurred.

Further investigation by the Springfield Township Police Department found that another child in the residence was playing with what was thought to be an unloaded firearm when it discharged and struck Justice. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case and concluded no criminal laws were violated, so no charges were filed. A visitation and service for Justice were held July 26, 2024, at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati.

This remains a devastating loss for Justice’s family and the community. If anyone has information about the circumstances in the house that day or about safe storage practices that could prevent similar tragedies, please share what is known.