Richard Belle, 14, of Springfield, Ohio, died on December 17, 2023, after a shooting on the 300 block of Montgomery Avenue around 3 p.m. Family members told a 911 dispatcher that Richard had accidentally shot himself in the head. Emergency responders arrived but he succumbed to his injuries; the Clark County Coroner’s office confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound.

Authorities are investigating how Richard accessed the firearm and whether negligence played a role. No arrests have been announced and the investigation remains open. The case has prompted local concern about gun safety and the presence of firearms in homes with minors.

If anyone saw activity on Montgomery Avenue that afternoon or has information about how the weapon was stored or obtained, please come forward.