Jerome Ari Stephens, 19, was shot inside a residence on Erickson Avenue in Whitehall, Ohio, on August 20, 2023. Police responded about 11:20 p.m.; Stephens was found with a gunshot wound, taken to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition, and later died of his injuries. Early reports suggested a drive-by shooting, but detectives determined the shooting occurred inside the house. Authorities have not said whether the shooting was intentional or accidental.

A 16-year-old male who was at the scene was arrested and initially charged with felonious assault; that charge was upgraded to reckless homicide after Stephens died. No further details about the events leading up to the shooting or the suspect’s identity have been released. Stephens was born July 23, 2004, in Warren, Ohio, graduated from Whitehall-Yearling High School in 2022, and worked at Southern Glazers of Columbus and with his grandfather at Lathan’s Cabinets and Construction. He enjoyed making music, dancing, basketball, video games, and spending time with family and his dog, Bud.

If anyone knew Jerome or has information about what happened that night, please share what you know with investigators.