Lamar Spikes was 16 and a sophomore at Taft High School when he was shot and killed on February 18, 2023. The shooting happened about 10:10 p.m. on Dartmouth Drive near Daytona Avenue in the Westwood neighborhood of Cincinnati. Police found Lamar with a gunshot wound; he was taken to hospital and pronounced dead shortly after. A 17-year-old was also critically injured in the same incident.

Family described Lamar as a talented track athlete with a warm smile and vibrant personality who had gone to the area to visit a friend and did not live there. The circumstances of the shooting, including any motive or suspects, remain unclear; the Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating. His family has urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement to help hold those responsible accountable.

If anyone knew Lamar, saw activity on Dartmouth Drive that night, or has information about the shooting, please contact the Cincinnati Police.